Belgium is seeking to enhance its cooperation with Qatar and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to combat organised crime by targeting illicit financial flows and disrupting the networks that sustain criminal activity. Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin emphasized the need for coordinated international efforts to tackle drug trafficking and other cross-border crimes during his visit to Qatar for the Global Security Forum 2026.

Speaking on the sidelines of the forum, Quintin highlighted the importance of focusing on the monetary channels used by criminal networks. “If we want to be efficient in the battle that we are having with organised crime, we have to hit where it hurts. And where does it hurt? Money,” he said. Belgium is developing systems to better identify criminal proceeds and assets, adopting a strategy centered on “follow the value, follow the money.” The nation's national drugs commissioner has been assigned to improve understanding of how illicit groups generate and move their profits.

Quintin pointed to the need for closer international coordination to prevent criminals from exploiting differences in national legal frameworks and border controls. During the visit, Belgium and Qatar signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) designed to strengthen bilateral security cooperation. The agreement encompasses areas such as counter-terrorism, drug trafficking, and the use of artificial intelligence. Belgium plans to facilitate exchanges of expertise and arrange visits between police forces in the coming weeks to implement practical collaboration based on the MoU.

As part of a wider regional approach, Belgium will deploy a police liaison officer to Abu Dhabi starting in November, with responsibilities extending to Qatar and other GCC states. This officer will support the exchange of intelligence, operational knowledge, and expertise throughout the region. Quintin stressed the critical importance of not only obtaining accurate intelligence but also ensuring its effective sharing among partners.

Describing organized crime as a global challenge, Quintin urged countries to pool resources and collaborate closely to counter transnational criminal organizations. He cited progress in Belgium’s cooperation with the United Arab Emirates, particularly in extraditing individuals who had fled to the Gulf and were subsequently returned to Belgium for prosecution. He noted, however, that cooperation arrangements vary across the GCC.

Quintin also underscored the significance of bilateral relations in addressing specific security concerns and facilitating bidirectional information exchange. He further highlighted the necessity of international collaboration to protect global supply chains, referencing efforts to secure the Port of Antwerp, a major European maritime hub frequently targeted by transnational drug trafficking networks. Belgium relies on a public-private partnership involving the port authority, government, and city of Antwerp to maintain and update security measures.

Overall, Belgium’s initiative reflects a growing recognition that combating organized crime requires coordinated global action focused on financial disruption and intelligence sharing across jurisdictions.