Two members of a criminal organisation involved in money laundering through fraudulent means have pleaded guilty, resulting in reduced sentences, the Brussels Public Prosecutor's Office announced on Friday.
The case began in June last year following a routine traffic stop in the Brussels municipality of Uccle. During a search of the vehicle occupied by the two suspects, police found 37 bank cards, four Digipass devices, and €2,300 in cash.
A financial crimes judge was immediately brought in. "After charging them with money laundering and participation in a criminal organisation, the judge issued warrants for their detention in Haren Prison," a spokesperson said.
An investigation overseen by the Marlow police zone – which serves Uccle, Auderghem and Watermael-Boitsfort – and directed by the financial judge revealed a vast scheme involving shell companies, front men and women, and bank accounts managed by hidden third parties. This system aimed to launder illicit funds while providing cash for those seeking to create a "black fund."
The total amount of illicit money transfers identified exceeds €500,000. During the investigation, authorities seized approximately €125,000 across various bank accounts used by the suspects.
The accused were then offered the opportunity to plead guilty before the conclusion of the investigation, under recent legal reforms aimed at simplifying procedural steps and encouraging their use.
By pleading guilty, they received 80 days of firm detention, while the remaining prison sentences (two years and 18 months, respectively) were suspended. They were also given a five-year professional ban. All seized assets were confiscated.
