Belgian police have initiated a probe against former European justice chief for alleged money laundering.
Didier Reynders, who until recently served as the European Commissioner for Justice, faces a probe by the Belgian police. He is under scrutiny for transactions associated with the Belgian National Lottery.
The high-ranking official allegedly used lottery games to launder money. He has been accused of money laundering over a period of 10 years.
He reportedly purchased National Lottery tickets with money of unclear origin. He used the money to buy electronic lottery vouchers worth between €1 and €100, using the funds to take part in lottery games. He would deposit the winnings back to his accounts after winning, this allowed him to launder dirty money, according to investigators.
His activities have raised suspicion, which has led to the current ongoing investigation. Belgian federal police raided properties including Reynders’ private residences as part of the ongoing investigations, which have been going on for months.
The investigations intensified after Reynders term ended as European Commissioner for Justice on Sunday. If the case ends up in court, Reynders’ prosecution would require approval by the Belgian parliament owing to his status as a former minister.
Suspicious transactions over several years
The Belgian Financial Intelligence Processing Unit (CTIF-CFI) and the National Lottery raised concerns about the suspicious transactions over several years, which led to the ongoing investigation. According to sources, Reynders would have to prove the legal origin of the funds he allegedly laundered.
The incident highlights the vulnerabilities that the national lottery systems remain subject to despite stringent regulations, including anti-money laundering measures. The European Lotteries (EL) Association represents the Old Continent’s lottery and gambling sector. It requires members to adhere to strict licensing frameworks and responsible gaming policies.
The EL recently issued a manifesto that emphasised the association’s commitment to public benefit, harm mitigation and anti-money laundering (AML) practices, which was key in flagging Reinders’ suspicious transactions. This case is instrumental as it has come to the shore despite Reynders’ previous position overseeing Belgian National Lottery between 2007 and 2011.
His case has led to broader discussions about financial oversight and ethical practices in the gaming industry. It could help improve lottery accountability if such AML detection shortcomings keep surfacing. This could eventually help shut down potential money laundering opportunities.
Elevate your business at SiGMA Eurasia Summit February 23-25 2025 Connect with 14000+ industry leaders hear from 400+ expert speakers and seize new opportunities in Dubai
