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Benelux suffers cargo crime surge

[ April 2, 2026   //   ]

Cargo crime is escalating across the Benelux region, according to the 2026 Freight Crime Report published by insurer TT Club and supply chain risk adviser BSI Consulting, in partnership with TVM.

It identified the ports of Antwerp-Bruges and Rotterdam as major hotspots for crime, with highways including the E19, E17, A67 and A2 experiencing higher theft rates, particularly at unsecured rest areas.

The report added that criminals are using advanced tactics including artificial intelligence-generated credentials, forged documents and fake carrier fraud to infiltrate supply chains. AI-powered deepfake identities and automated phishing campaigns enable criminals to impersonate legitimate carriers, while insider collusion provides critical information about routes and security protocols.

Traditional “slash and grab” thefts from soft-sided trailers remain common, but there is a concerning shift towards strategic, pre-planned operations. Fake carrier fraud has emerged as a particularly pressing challenge, with criminals exploiting freight exchanges and subcontracting arrangements to infiltrate supply chains.

The report also spotlights successful interventions, including the Netherlands’ Transport Facilitated Organised Crime (TFOC) programme, which has achieved over 250 seizures through intelligence sharing between law enforcement and the private sector.

Johan Hemmen, manager of prevention and risk management at TVM, said: “What we’re seeing is a fundamental shift in how cargo crime operates. The chronic shortage of secure parking infrastructure, combined with criminals’ use of AI and digital fraud, creates a perfect storm. However, through proper vetting of subcontractors, end-to-end communication protocols and international collaboration, we can significantly reduce these risks. The success of programmes like TFOC demonstrates that when industry and law enforcement work together, we can fight back effectively.”

Freight Crime in Benelux Supply Chains – TT Club

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