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On 28 May, CLECAT attended an event hosted by TT Club in Antwerp to present the findings of the report Freight Crime in Benelux Supply Chains. The event brought together representatives from the transport, logistics, insurance, and law enforcement communities to discuss the evolving threat of cargo theft and the measures needed to strengthen supply chain security across the Benelux region.

According to the report, cargo theft remains a persistent and evolving challenge in the Benelux region, which serves as a major gateway for European and international trade. Criminal groups are increasingly relying on sophisticated methods, including identity fraud, fictitious carriers, forged transport documents and cyber-enabled attacks to gain access to cargo. The report also highlights the growing use of artificial intelligence to facilitate fraud and impersonation schemes.

Road transport continues to be the most exposed mode, with thefts involving trucks accounting for the majority of reported incidents. The report identifies unsecured parking areas, logistics hubs and major transport corridors as key points of exposure within supply chains. Belgium and the Netherlands are highlighted as particular hotspots due to the concentration of freight activity around major ports and logistics centres.

Participants also discussed the importance of secure truck parking, enhanced information sharing between public and private stakeholders, and closer international cooperation to combat increasingly organised criminal networks. More broadly, the report concludes that addressing the growing threat of cargo theft will require a coordinated approach involving industry, insurers and public authorities, supported by stronger prevention measures and improved information sharing across the supply chain.