834 flagged persons discovered thanks to passenger screening

Since April, the screening of passenger data at airports has already resulted in 834 flagged persons being discovered. In ten percent of cases, the airport police had to intervene. Minister of the Interior Jan Jambon calls the screenings a success story in the fight against crime and terrorism. “Out of all countries, Belgium has come the furthest with the screening of passenger lists.”

Child abductions avoided

Since April this year, all airline passengers have been subject to compulsory screening. Airlines must provide passenger lists 48 hours before departure. Preliminary results indicate that 18 child abductions by parents have been avoided as a result. In addition, arrests were made above all of terrorist suspects and people suspected of fraud or theft.

Also on train, bus, and boat

Minister Jan Jambon recently announced the intention to extend such screening of passengers to other means of transport. At the beginning of next year, there will be a pilot project for train passengers and bus passengers. At a later stage, the passenger data of boat passengers will also be screened.