The National Lottery has confirmed that concerns over money laundering in 2022 led to the investigation into Belgium's former EU Commissioner Didier Reynders.
The organisation revealed to Belga on Wednesday that it made only one report to the authorities in five years for suspected money laundering,
This was the very report which led to the money laundering investigation involving former European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders.
The gambling organisation emphasised it enforces strict measures to create an environment that is unattractive to those seeking to launder money.
In the "rare cases" where such behaviour is detected, the National Lottery’s Forensic Unit identifies and reports these incidents to the relevant authorities.
In 2022, this unit provided information that resulted in police searches and questioning of Didier Reynders.
Bombshell investigation
On Tuesday, Reynders was questioned and had his properties searched by Belgian police over suspicions of money laundering, made through the purchase of lottery tickets. The Public Prosecutor confirmed the operation following reports by Le Soir and the investigative media platform Follow The Money.
The investigation has been underway since 2023 under the jurisdiction of the Brussels Public Prosecutor. The targeted period spans several years, extending at least until last year.
In response, European Commission denied knowing about the money laundry allegations on Wednesday, but confirmed it will cooperate with Belgian authorities.
MR's Didier Reynders pictured during the 39th award ceremony for the Manager of the Year, Wednesday 10 January 2024 in Brussels. Credit: Belga
Authorities suspect money laundering through the purchase of lottery tickets by the senior figure of French-speaking liberals MR. The Financial Information Processing Unit noted suspicious transactions over a long period, involving a "relatively significant" amount.
Specifically, Reynders is suspected of purchasing "e-tickets", which are vouchers ranging from €1 to €100 euros, available at various points of sale and transferable to a National Lottery gaming account.
Preliminary findings suggest that some lottery tickets were bought with cash. The winnings were credited to the former minister’s digital account at the National Lottery and then transferred to his current account.
Questions over immunity
As the investigation covers a period when Reynders was a federal minister and later a European Commissioner, he enjoys immunity, even though he no longer holds any office, Le Soir explains.
This immunity does not prevent the investigation and searches from taking place, but it currently excludes any deprivation of liberty.
At a European level, it only applies to acts carried out in an official capacity, a spokesperson for the Commission stated on Wednesday. In the event that a Commissioner acts in a way that is incompatible with their duties, they can be referred to the Court of Justice of the EU and lose EU-related benefits.
A request to waive the immunity would require a decision by the Commission itself.
