Belgian intelligence services make increasing use of special surveillance methods
Belgium's intelligence services are making growing use of special intelligence-gathering methods such as hacking and telephone interception, according to the annual report of Committee I, the body responsible for overseeing the State Security Service (VSSE) and the military intelligence service (ADIV).
Committee I described 2025 as "a particularly intensive year of oversight". The report shows that the number of authorisations granted for special intelligence methods rose by 6.7 per cent, from more than 2,900 in 2024 to over 3,100 last year.
While intelligence services are permitted to use exceptional surveillance techniques, their use must be both lawful and proportionate.
The State Security Service accounted for the majority of authorisations. These primarily involved access to electronic communications data and location information, mainly in investigations linked to terrorism and espionage.
ADIV, meanwhile, relied chiefly on telephone interception, the infiltration of computer systems and surveillance in locations not accessible to the public. These measures were used primarily to counter foreign interference, and to a lesser extent, organised crime, extremism and terrorism.
Neither ADIV nor the VSSE carried out any real-world or online infiltrations during the year.
Oversight investigations
The report also reviews a number of oversight investigations conducted by Committee I. Among them was an examination of an analysis by the Belgian threat assessment body OCAD concerning the potential threat posed by Iranian opposition groups to an Iranian delegation that visited Belgium for the Brussels Urban Summit in June 2023.
Committee I also completed its investigation into the monitoring of the Muslim Brotherhood by Belgian intelligence services and the potential threat the organisation may pose in Belgium.
Complaints and whistleblowers
In addition to overseeing the intelligence and security services, Committee I also acts as an external reporting channel for whistleblowers. Staff members of ADIV and the VSSE can report suspected abuse, irregularities or fraud within their organisations through this mechanism. One case was opened in 2025.
Citizens who believe they have been adversely affected by the actions of the intelligence services or OCAD may also file complaints with Committee I, including through its recently revamped website. Last year, the body received around 60 complaints, roughly half of which concerned the VSSE.
©PHOTO CONNECTIMAGE
Related news
