Belgian news outlets have reported the start of proceedings against 31 Afghan men suspected of large-scale human trafficking, as well as assault and abuse.
VRT reported on Monday evening, October 26, that the accused, who operated on TikTok under the names “133” or “133 Criminals,” had victimized at least 615 people since 2017.
According to the report, prosecutors are seeking a combined prison sentence of more than 230 years for all the defendants, along with the confiscation of proceeds from their crimes.
Belgium’s Public Prosecutor’s Office said the organization consists of an Afghan group with a clear hierarchy, whose leaders run its operations from Baghlan province in Afghanistan.
The office added that proceeds from human trafficking are also sent there.
According to prosecutors, the victims are primarily men, but women, children and even infants have also been targeted.
Belgian prosecutors said the trafficking gang transported victims to Austria or Germany by concealing them in truck cargo compartments, vans, high-speed cars and vehicle trunks.
Investigations indicate that the organization’s leaders earned up to €15,000 per month.
Meanwhile, prosecutors said: “Those who failed to pay for the dangerous journey on time were beaten and imprisoned, and some victims also testified about sexual abuse.”
The Afghan suspects appeared before the correctional court, and most have been released under electronic monitoring or on bail. Only a few remain in custody and were brought to court from their prison cells.
The court is expected to deliver its verdict in the human trafficking case as early as December.
