Belgium's drug commissioner flags short-term rental platforms as criminal stash houses

Belgium's drug commissioner Ine Van Wymersch says criminal gangs use platforms like Airbnb as stash houses for drugs, weapons, cash, and people. Police seized 3.3kg of cocaine from a Brussels Airbnb in early August 2026. Van Wymersch urges platforms to strengthen safeguards against abuse. Airbnb calls criminal bookings an "extreme minority."