In 2015, the Belgian Unit for Art and Antiquities was dismantled by the Belgian government. This despite all recommendations made by international organisations, such as Interpol, UNESCO and Europol. When policeman Lucas Verhaegen was unofficially reinstated, it became clear that one man could simply not cover all the responsibilities of the art unit.

Due to this lack of manpower, Belgium has become a gap in the defense against art crimes in Europe.