Human trafficking suspected at Antwerp shisha bar

Police have uncovered signs of human trafficking at a shisha bar in northern Antwerp. The establishment will be closed for at least two months pending investigation, mayor Bart De Wever announced on Thursday.

In addition to human trafficking for sexual exploitation, security services also suspect violations of public health and safety regulations. During an inspection, police found five scantily-clad women, including three minors, in the venue, located on Sint-Bartholomeusstraat in Merksem. The women were suspected of working as escorts, with some carrying small bags containing cash.

The police also discovered records of daily earnings, with the names of two underage girls and associated amounts listed. One of these minors had been reported as missing in the Netherlands and has since been transferred to Dutch authorities.

The shisha bar, which was operating without a valid permit, was also found to have an illegal bouncer on duty during the inspection. Additionally, several bottles of nitrous oxide and balloons were discovered in the basement.

^{​#FlandersNewsService | Illustration picture shows a hookah at a shisha bar in Antwerp © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM}