The alarming rise of illegal operations in commercial properties

 

Recent high-profile operations by Belgian customs officials have brought to light the significant scale of illicit activities taking place within various commercial properties across the country.

 

These raids, conducted throughout 2025, serve as a stark reminder for businesses on the critical importance of due diligence when acquiring or leasing warehouse and office spaces.

 

Key discoveries across Belgium

 

Customs operations uncovered several major illegal setups:

 

In Merksem, an unauthorised production and packaging line was dismantled, leading to the seizure of three million cigarettes and five tonnes of tobacco, alongside the arrest of thirteen individuals.

 

Ledegem saw the discovery of two illegal production lines, yielding a massive 34 million cigarettes and representing approximately 16.2 million euros in evaded duties. Twenty-nine individuals were apprehended in connection with this operation.

 

An illegal rolling tobacco factory in Oostkamp was also shut down, resulting in an arrest.

 

Perhaps most notably for businesses seeking storage solutions, an illicit warehouse containing eight million counterfeit cigarettes was unearthed in Braine-l’Alleud. This site also involved 3.8 million euros in evaded duties and the seizure of 100,000 euros in cash.

 

Collectively, these actions led to the seizure of nearly 150 million illegal cigarettes and the dismantling of seven cigarette production sites and one tobacco processing facility in 2025 alone, building on substantial seizures from the previous year.

 

Why this matters for your business

 

For companies in search of commercial real estate, these incidents highlight several crucial considerations:

 

The imperative of due diligence

 

Before committing to any lease or purchase agreement, thorough vetting of the property's history and current compliance status is non-negotiable. Ensuring that the premises are not, and have never been, associated with illegal activities is paramount to protecting your business's integrity and assets.

 

Mitigating reputational and legal risks

 

Inadvertently leasing or purchasing a property that has been or is being used for illicit purposes can expose your business to severe reputational damage, legal challenges, and financial penalties. Associating with non-compliant spaces, even unknowingly, can undermine client trust and attract unwanted scrutiny from authorities.

 

Ensuring operational security and compliance

 

Legitimate warehouse and office spaces provide the necessary infrastructure and regulatory compliance for safe, efficient, and legal operations. They offer peace of mind, knowing your inventory, equipment, and personnel are secure and operating within established legal frameworks, unlike the instability and risks associated with unauthorized facilities.

 

Choosing the right partner for commercial property

 

To navigate the complexities of the commercial real estate market, partnering with reputable real estate agencies and landlords is essential.

 

These professionals can provide verified information, ensure all properties meet regulatory standards, and help you find spaces that align with your business's legal and operational requirements.

 

The strong demand for secure, legitimate warehousing is clear, making the choice of a compliant partner more important than ever.

 

Source: sudinfo.be