Belgium recovers 213 million euros from social fraud in H1 2026

Belgium recovered 213 million euros in the first half of 2026 through efforts to combat social fraud, marking a 19 percent increase compared to the same period last year. A significant portion of these recoveries, totaling 142 million euros, resulted from the misuse of social security contributions by employers failing to pay required fees.

In the East Flanders region, inspections of nearly 1,000 locations across more than twenty sectors identified nearly 200 companies committing infractions. Key sectors under scrutiny included construction, transport, hospitality, and retail. Inspectors focused on whether employees were correctly registered and if labor and wage conditions complied with social legislation.

Minister Rob Beenders noted that fraud within the healthcare sector accounted for 26 million euros in financial impact. Additionally, the volume of investigations rose by 5 percent to 7,900, including 6,316 investigations into social dumping, nearly half of which resulted in findings. Authorities are increasing personnel and resources to strengthen oversight and ensure fair competition for law-abiding businesses.