Gangs using Airbnb-type rentals as drug stash houses, top Belgian official says
Summary
Criminal gangs in Belgium are using short-term rental platforms, similar to Airbnb, to store drugs, money, weapons, and people. Belgium’s national drug commissioner, Ine Van Wymersch, says the flexibility of these rentals helps organised crime, and authorities are working to stop this misuse.Key Facts
- Gangs rent short-term apartments to hide illegal goods because bookings can be easily changed or canceled.
- In August, police found cocaine and cash in an Airbnb rental in Brussels linked to drug activity.
- In 2024, a drug operation seizure worth €21 million involved an Airbnb rental in West Flanders.
- Airbnb says criminal bookings are very rare and uses technology to spot suspicious activity.
- Short-term rentals are part of a larger problem including anonymous emails, encrypted communication, cryptocurrency, and delivery services that criminals exploit.
- Antwerp is a major entry point for cocaine in Europe and has seen drug-related violence and threats.
- Belgium’s national drug commissioner warns the country risks becoming a narco state without stronger action.
- The government is focusing on tracing and attacking criminal money to fight organised crime effectively.
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