Former EU Commissioner Didier Reynders under investigation for money laundering

A judicial investigation has been launched into possible money laundering by Didier Reynders, the former Belgian minister and EU Commissioner for Justice. Newspaper Le Soir and Dutch investigative platform Follow the Money report that Reynders is suspected of laundering money through lottery winnings. The Brussels public prosecutor’s office has confirmed the investigation.

The allegations centre on claims that Reynders bought lottery tickets with cash over several years, allegedly using the winnings to deposit laundered funds into his bank accounts. As part of the investigation, federal police conducted raids on multiple properties, including Reynders’ private residences. It is also reported that Reynders has been questioned by authorities.

The probe has been under way for months, but authorities waited until Reynders’ mandate as EU Commissioner ended on 1 December to act, as his position had previously granted him immunity from prosecution. 

Five years ago, a former Belgian state security officer accused Reynders of corruption and money laundering in connection with various projects, including the construction of the Belgian embassy in DR Congo and arms deals. The accusations were dismissed for lack of evidence. 

Reynders, a prominent member of the francophone liberal MR party, was Belgium’s Finance minister from 1999 to 2011 and later Foreign Affairs minister. He was responsible for overseeing the National Lottery during his tenure as Finance minister. He became EU Commissioner for Justice in 2019.

After his term ended on Sunday, MR party colleague Hadja Lahbib replaced him as Belgium’s new EU Commissioner. 

^{Former EU Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders © BELGA PHOTO LAURIE DIEFFEMBACQ}