The trial of 31 Afghan men accused of involvement in a large-scale human-smuggling operation has begun in Antwerp, Belgium, with prosecutors seeking lengthy prison sentences and the confiscation of millions of euros in alleged criminal proceeds, Belgian broadcaster VRT reported. The allegations have yet to be established by the court.

Source: VRT via Shia Waves

According to Belgian media reports, prosecutors are seeking a combined prison sentence of more than 230 years for the 31 defendants, and have also requested the confiscation of more than €3 million in alleged criminal proceeds (yaani: more than 30 lakh euros sought to be seized). Three men identified by prosecutors as leaders of the network face requests for sentences of up to 15 years each.

TikTok names and routes across Europe, prosecutors allege

Prosecutors say the suspects allegedly operated on TikTok under the names "313" and "313 Criminal", and that the network arranged journeys for migrants seeking to reach Western Europe, including routes to the United Kingdom, Austria and Germany. The prosecution alleges the organisation had a clear hierarchy and was directed by leaders operating from Afghanistan's Baghlan province, where some of the proceeds were allegedly transferred.

Prosecutors say the network transported migrants through dangerous routes across Europe and subjected some victims to violence, confinement and sexual abuse. These are prosecution allegations reported by Belgian media; the defendants have not been convicted, and the court has yet to rule on any of the charges.

Active since 2017, investigation opened in 2023

Investigators believe the network has been active since 2017 and is linked to at least 615 victims, although the formal investigation that led to the current proceedings began in October 2023, according to earlier reporting by the Belga News Agency. The case is one of the largest human-smuggling prosecutions brought in Belgium in recent years, and the trial is expected to examine how the alleged network recruited clients and moved money across borders.