Smugglers are using 'taxi boats' that move along the shoreline picking up migrants before heading into the English Channel. Frontex confirmed the shift towards Belgium had been observed since late February. Activity is concentrated along Belgium's western coastline, with beaches in De Panne, Koksijde, Nieuwpoort, and Ostend becoming launch points. The number of attempted crossings from the Belgian coast has risen sharply in recent months, with smugglers and migrants intercepted almost daily by police.
French police have stepped up their response, deploying tear gas, slashing boats on beaches, and using drones, light aircraft, and patrol vessels to intercept launches at traditional departure points. This aggressive crackdown has pushed smuggling networks to seek alternative routes.
In response, Belgian forces have increased patrols along the western coast and stepped up cooperation with Frontex, including deploying surveillance aircraft. Physical barriers have been installed to make it harder to access beaches with trailers and boats.
International cooperation is deepening between Belgium and the United Kingdom. Officials from both countries are looking to deepen cooperation through closer intelligence sharing, coordination between law enforcement, and additional monitoring of the Belgian coastline. The UK government has provided financial assistance to Belgian law enforcement to deter smuggling attempts.
A major European operation on 25 March 2026 targeted smuggling networks across multiple countries. Authorities in Belgium, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, with support from Europol and Eurojust, conducted fourteen searches, including two in Belgium.
The operation resulted in significant arrests in Germany and Belgium. Four high-value targets were arrested in Germany under the instruction of a Belgian investigating judge, and 17 individuals involved in logistical roles were also detained.
Seizures from the operation included eleven boats, engines, life jackets, weapons, cash, and electronic devices.
Physical barriers have been installed on Belgian beaches to make it harder to access beaches with trailers and boats.
Since early 2025, Belgian authorities have investigated the transit of small boats and related nautical equipment from neighbouring countries, primarily Germany, towards France.
It is unclear whether the move to Belgian launch sites represents a permanent change or a temporary adaptation by smuggling gangs in response to enforcement pressures. The exact number of migrants who have successfully crossed the English Channel from Belgium in 2026 has not been confirmed. The total number of arrests in the March operation beyond initial figures has not been confirmed.
Safety concerns are mounting due to the longer, more dangerous crossings from Belgium.