Belgian police and the labour inspectorate raided the company’s logistics headquarters in Kortenberg on September 6. Several drivers are reported to have lived for weeks in truck cabins. Eight of them were questioned in detail as potential victims. Investigators found serious indications of labour exploitation and social fraud, and all 28 trucks were temporarily seized. The case was taken over by the Leuven Labour Prosecutor’s Office.

(Staff: Belgium / Justice & Work)

An extensive inspection operation carried out on September 6, 2026, in Kortenberg, Flanders, revealed serious suspicions concerning the working conditions of drivers employed by a Romanian transport company. Belgian police, together with the labour inspection authorities, inspected the company’s logistics headquarters, where they found several drivers. According to initial information, some of them are reported to have spent weeks living in truck cabins.

Eight drivers questioned as potential victims

Investigators focused in particular on the drivers’ pay and working conditions. Eight of them were questioned in detail and were considered possible victims of exploitation. Initial findings revealed serious indications of labour exploitation and social fraud. According to the preliminary results, some employees are reported to have been paid below the legal minimum wage to which they were entitled.

All 28 trucks temporarily seized

As part of the operation, all 28 trucks belonging to the company were temporarily seized. Police stressed that the investigation is still ongoing and that no final conclusions have been reached regarding any violations. The name of the transport company has not been made public by the authorities.

The case taken over by the Leuven Labour Prosecutor’s Office

The investigation has been taken over by the Leuven Labour Prosecutor’s Office, which will continue the inquiry. Belgian authorities have so far provided no further details about the status of the case or any charges that may be brought.

Conclusion

The Kortenberg case once again highlights the vulnerability of drivers in international transport and the risks of exploitation that can arise in this sector. Although the investigation is still at an early stage, the seizure of all 28 trucks and the questioning of eight drivers indicate that the Belgian authorities are treating the suspicions of social fraud and work below legal standards seriously. It remains to be seen what conclusions the Leuven Labour Prosecutor’s Office will draw and whether sanctions will be imposed.