{
    "title": "Belgian finance web shop hits five-year high in sales",
    "modified_at": "2026-04-17 19:46:05",
    "published_at": "2026-04-17 19:46:00",
    "url": "https://www.belganewsagency.eu/belgian-finance-web-shop-hits-five-year-high-in-sales",
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    "culture": "en_BE",
    "language": "EN",
    "slug": "belgian-finance-web-shop-hits-five-year-high-in-sales",
    "body": "<p><strong>The Belgian federal finance department&rsquo;s online shop, known as Fin Shop, raised &euro;23.5 million last year. That is the highest total in five years, according to new figures.</strong></p><p>Around &euro;15 million of that amount was transferred to the Belgian state treasury. This is a clear increase compared with 2021, when sales totalled &euro;20.8 million and &euro;9.5 million went to the state.</p><p>Fin Shop sells a wide range of items, including cars, jewellery, watches, household goods, Christmas decorations, and even pet accessories. The goods come from federal services, lost parcels, unclaimed inheritances, and confiscated or seized items.</p><p>Vehicles remain the biggest source of income. In 2025, about 12,700 vehicles were sold, bringing in &euro;15.2 million. That compares with 10,379 vehicles sold the year before, worth &euro;12.4 million.</p><p>Officials say the rise is partly due to more seized vehicles linked to criminal investigations, particularly in Brussels. They also point to higher second-hand car prices and improved selling methods.</p><p>According to the finance ministry, Fin Shop&rsquo;s results depend on what other public services supply, but efforts have been made to improve returns and increase revenue for the state.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><sup>Vehicles are a big source of income &copy; BELGA PHOTO OLIVIER HOSLET</sup></p><p>&nbsp;</p>",
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    "author": {
        "first_name": "Flanders",
        "last_name": "News Service"
    },
    "format_version": 5
}