Belgium Recovers Over €100M from Social Fraud in Q1 2026

Belgium’s intensified crackdown on social fraud has recovered more than €100 million in the first quarter of 2026 alone — over €3 million more than the same period last year, according to official figures released by Social Fraud Control Minister Rob Beenders on Sunday.

The results underscore the Belgian government’s escalating efforts to combat benefit fraud and undeclared work through enhanced detection methods, cross-agency cooperation, and a comprehensive new action plan targeting high-risk sectors.

Investigations Yield Record Results

In the first three months of 2026, inspection services conducted 38,556 individual investigations — nearly 3,000 more than in Q1 2025. Almost half of these investigations resulted in a confirmed violation, demonstrating improved targeting and intelligence-led enforcement, as HLN reported.

“These figures show that our inspection services work hard and achieve results,” Beenders said. “Whoever commits fraud is actually stealing from everyone who works honestly and contributes correctly. Especially now that many families and businesses are having economic difficulties, we must be extra strict with people who deliberately break the rules.”

The recovery builds on strong momentum from 2025, when Belgium recovered €414 million from social fraud — a 7.6% increase compared to 2023. That total included €255 million in unpaid social security contributions, €120 million in wrongfully claimed social benefits, and €12 million in administrative fines, as The Brussels Times reported.

Action Plan 2026-2027 Underway

The government’s new “Action Plan for Social Fraud Control 2026-2027” has been fully launched, with 91 planned actions. As of mid-June, 10 actions have been completed and the remainder are ongoing, according to the SIOD Belgium (Social Information and Investigation Service).

The plan, validated on 19 December 2025 and in force since 1 January 2026, operationalizes the government’s Strategic Plan 2026-2029, which targets €600 million in annual recoveries by 2029. It centers on a risk-oriented approach, prioritizing high-risk sectors such as construction, cleaning, and transport, while targeting 12,000 joint inspections in 2026 and 13,000 in 2027.

Prevention and Guidance Alongside Enforcement

Beyond punitive measures, the government is also investing in prevention and guidance. The National Social Security Office (RSZ) informed 223 new employers about their obligations. Employment office (RVA) inspectors guided 256 companies using temporary unemployment for the first time. The Social Legislation Inspectorate (TSW) contact center handled over 9,500 questions about correct application of wage and labor conditions.

Flash inspections were conducted in the construction, metal, and electrotechnical sectors. Transport inspectors have also been empowered to collect fines on the spot during roadside checks, adding a new layer of deterrence.

“The message is simple: those who work and do business correctly deserve protection,” Beenders said. “Those who try to profit from our system must know that the chance of being caught is increasing. Everyone must contribute fairly.”

Broader Context and Political Significance

The crackdown on social fraud is a priority for the De Wever government, which appointed a dedicated minister for the first time in early 2025. Minister Beenders, a member of the Flemish social-democratic party Vooruit, has made the fight against fraud a centerpiece of his portfolio.

In 2025, authorities conducted 147,863 individual investigations — up 7.3% from 137,796 in 2024 — and carried out 15,337 joint inspections by two or more services. The government is also hiring 300 additional staff for fiscal and social inspection services and deploying AI and data mining tools for better fraud detection, as VRT NWS reported.

Outlook

With Q1 2026 already exceeding the same period last year, Belgium appears on track to surpass 2025’s €414 million recovery. The government’s target of €600 million annually by 2029 remains ambitious but increasingly achievable, supported by enhanced technology, more personnel, and a comprehensive action plan.

As Beenders stated in the action plan’s announcement: “This plan is ambitious, but necessary. It is an investment in justice, in trust, and in the future of our social protection. Together with all partners, we make clear: social fraud never pays.”