Belgian Funeral Directors Illegally Buy Bodies from Care Facilities

Funeral Industry Corruption Exposed in Belgium

Belgian funeral directors have been illegally purchasing bodies from nursing homes and hospitals through cash payments and gifts to staff members, according to an investigation by VRT's consumer program WinWin. The scandal reveals systematic corruption where bereaved families are denied their legal right to choose funeral providers.

Bribery Scheme Uncovered

The investigation found that employees at care facilities and at least one hospital regularly accept money from funeral directors in exchange for allowing them to collect bodies. These arrangements violate Belgian law, which guarantees families the right to select their own funeral service provider.

"You shouldn't earn money from deceased people," an anonymous funeral director testified about colleagues engaging in these practices. "In some nursing homes, the same colleagues always come. In exchange for gifts like champagne and chocolates, but also for money, they're allowed to collect the deceased. This can go up to 250 euros per body. They simply pass these costs on to the family later."

Hospital Involvement Revealed

Multiple testimonies specifically mentioned ZAS Middelheim hospital in Antwerpen. One witness reported being denied choice when her relative passed away. "The mortuary employee claimed they worked with a fixed undertaker," she explained. "When we protested, we were snapped at and shown the door."

A hospital spokesperson called the behavior "unacceptable" and emphasized their policy guarantees "100 percent free choice of funeral director." The institution has urged affected families to come forward with complaints.

Industry Acknowledgment

Funebra, the professional association of funeral directors, acknowledged the problem exists. Chairman Johan Dexters stated: "It would be hypocritical to say such deals don't exist. In certain regions it's even a persistent problem. One funeral director brings pastries to the nursing home every Sunday, another gives money." He emphasized that paying for bodies is "not done."

Dutch Comparison

In the Netherlands, similar regulations protect family choice. The Association of Certified Dutch Funeral Directors confirms that when someone dies in a care facility or hospital, the family decides which funeral home handles the remains. Dutch hospitals also require families to approach funeral companies directly, preventing similar corruption schemes.

The scandal has raised questions about oversight in the funeral industry and protection for vulnerable families during difficult times. Belgian authorities are expected to investigate the allegations and implement stronger controls.