nl flag go to the original language article
This article has been translated by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The news agency is not responsible for the content of the translated article. The original was published by Belga.

Former commissioner Reynders suspected of money laundering

by AI | 04.Dec 2024 | Europe in brief AI

There is a criminal investigation against former European Commissioner and Belgian Minister Didier Reynders. He allegedly tried to launder black money through National Lottery games.

Former Belgian European Commissioner Didier Reynders - Photo: Olivier Hoslet/EPA Pool/AP/dpa

“`html

Brussels – A criminal investigation is underway against Didier Reynders. The former Belgian minister was until last Saturday, the European Commissioner for Justice, and is alleged to have attempted to launder black money through games of the National Lottery.

The news of the investigation was released Tuesday evening by the French-language newspaper Le Soir and the investigative platform Follow the Money. The Brussels prosecutor-general’s office later confirmed the news.

For years, Reynders is said to have bought National Lottery tickets in order to see the winnings laundered back into his account. Belgian federal police detectives raided several addresses on Tuesday, including Reynders’ private residences. He was questioned late into the evening. It is not known if there are other suspects.

The European Commission says it was not aware of the case and had to learn of it through the media. A spokesperson explained that Reynders enjoys “functional” immunity for actions he has taken in his capacity as EU Commissioner, but the college of commissioners can lift that immunity if necessary.

04/12/2024

“`