Horse trafficking targeted in major European operation

European authorities have targeted a large-scale illegal horse trafficking network. Suspects allegedly falsified horses’ identities and backgrounds. They reportedly used forged passports and manipulated microchips.  Europol supported the operation on 8 and 9 September 2026. Almost 200 officers and regulatory officials took part. The action covered Belgium, France, Ireland and the Netherlands.

Belgium is leading the investigation into the suspected trafficking network. Those involved allegedly altered horse records deliberately. This allowed animals to be transported and resold more easily. Some horses may eventually have entered the food chain. That creates risks for food safety and animal welfare. It also makes reliable traceability much more difficult.

Forged passports and manipulated microchips

Investigators suspect widespread use of falsified horse passports. Microchips may also have been altered or replaced. This effectively gave some horses a different identity. As a result, their true origin could remain hidden. The same applied to medical and administrative records. Authorities could also lose sight of consumption eligibility. Investigators are now establishing the animals’ final destinations. Some horses were allegedly resold using falsified details. Others may have entered the food chain directly.

More than a thousand horses checked

Authorities carried out 24 searches during the operation. Seven of these took place in the Netherlands. Belgium, France and Ireland also conducted searches. More than 1,000 horses were checked during the operation. Authorities also seized evidence for further examination. The investigation into additional suspects remains ongoing. Europol supported information exchange and operational coordination between participating countries. Because of the possible food-chain connection, Europol also provided expertise from Operation OPSON.

In the Netherlands, the NVWA-IOD was among the participating authorities. The operation forms part of EMPACT against serious organised international crime.

Source: Europol

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