A Belgian court has handed down prison sentences and heavy financial penalties in one of the largest tachograph-manipulation cases to come before the country’s judiciary in recent years. Two men were convicted for supplying equipment and software used to falsify drivers’ working-time records, underlining how seriously European authorities now treat breaches of social rules in road transport.
Although the illegal activity was uncovered nearly a decade ago, the proceedings have only now concluded. The court in Veurne ruled that the operation was organised and systematic, with consequences extending beyond individual drivers to fair competition and road safety.
Fraud equipment discovered during roadside check
The investigation began in spring 2016, when Belgian police stopped two men during a roadside check. A search of their Mercedes revealed devices used to manipulate tachographs, including electronic equipment, data carriers and software capable of interfering with driving and rest-time records.
The suspects were en route to a transport company at the time of the stop. Further inquiries established that between 2016 and 2018 at least three additional Belgian carriers used the solutions supplied by the group, falsifying drivers’ working-time data.
Organised supply of manipulated tachographs
The court found that the defendants acted as an organised group, deliberately supporting transport companies in committing tachograph fraud. They sold specialised software and USB storage devices and were also able to supply tachographs that had already been manipulated.
Proceeds from the illegal activity were channelled through several offshore companies linked to the defendants. The funds were subsequently transferred outside Belgium, including to Switzerland.
Prison sentences, fines and asset seizures
Both men were sentenced to two years of unconditional imprisonment and fined €160,000 each.
As part of the criminal proceedings, prosecutors also seized assets originating from the illegal activity, including USD 2.2 million and €1 million. The court noted that the penalties could have been even more severe, but took into account the significant time that had elapsed between the offences and the conclusion of the case.
Read more: “This isn’t a problem that will solve itself”: Girteka on the new reality of transport in Europe
Clear warning to the transport sector
The ruling sends a clear message that tachograph manipulation is treated in Europe as a serious economic crime rather than a minor administrative offence. For transport companies, it highlights the risk of criminal prosecution alongside financial and reputational damage.
Belgian enforcement authorities stress that combating the falsification of drivers’ working time remains a key priority in enforcing EU social legislation. The judgment is also intended to act as a deterrent to companies and individuals who continue to seek ways around tightened controls.
