Former EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders is under investigation for alleged money laundering through the Belgian National Lottery. The case, which has been ongoing since 2023, involves suspicious transactions spanning several years, potentially extending into 2024. It’s “the affair that’s staggering Belgium,” wrote the daily La Libre Belgique on January 30.
The Alleged Scheme
Didier Reynders is suspected of purchasing “e-tickets,” lottery vouchers valued between €1 and €100, available at various points of sale. These tickets were allegedly bought with cash, with winnings credited to Reynders’ digital National Lottery account and subsequently transferred to his personal bank account.
Scale of Allegations
The investigation concerns approximately €1 million in suspicious transactions. This includes:
- Around €200,000 in e-lottery tickets at the center of the initial probe
- An additional €800,000 in unexplained payments made over 15 years, with some dating back to before 2010.
National Lottery’s Role
The National Lottery’s internal checks in 2021 flagged unusual activity linked to two politically sensitive accounts, which stood out among over one million players. These accounts each deposited nearly €25,000, raising suspicions due to high-value e-ticket reloads and frequent transfers of winnings.
Investigation Timeline
- Early 2022: The National Lottery concluded there was a risk of money laundering and notified federal prosecutors
- 2023: The Brussels Public Prosecutor opened an investigation
- December 3, 2024: Reynders was questioned by police and his properties were searched
Reynders Respons
Reynders has denied any criminal allegations, stating that the funds were from his private estate and that he is cooperating with the magistrate’s inquiries.
European Commission’s Stance
The European Commission has denied prior knowledge of the money laundering allegations but has confirmed it will cooperate with Belgian authorities. As the investigation unfolds, it raises questions about financial oversight and the potential misuse of lottery systems for money laundering purposes. The case continues to develop, with authorities working to unravel the complex financial transactions involved.
