A Belgian footballer was arrested in a series of house searches on Monday morning. The arrest was part of an investigation into cocaine trafficking from South America to Europe, the Brussels Public Prosecutor's Office confirmed.
The Brussels Federal Judicial Police carried out 30 property searches on the morning of Monday 27 January, mainly in the province of Antwerp and in Brussels but also the outskirts around Brussels, the Brussels Public Prosecutor's Office confirmed. The searches were carried out as part of an investigation run by the office's Organised Crime Section.
"The investigation relates to suspected facts of the importation of cocaine from South America to Europe, via the port of Antwerp, and its redistribution in Belgium," spokesperson Marin François said in a statement. He added that the "footballer R.N." was arrested as part of this case.
Denying involvement
Local media including Het Nieuwbslad reported it concerned Radja Nainggolan, a well-known Belgian professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Challenger Pro League club Lokeren-Temse.
No further information has yet been released as interrogations are still ongoing. The Prosecutor's Office stressed the importance of the presumption of innocence at this time. "We will communicate more fully once the interrogations have ended and the investigating judge has been able to question the suspects."
According to Nainggolan's lawyer, Omar Souidi, the footballer denies any involvement in drug trafficking, Belga News Agency reported. "We are now waiting to see whether my client will be brought before the investigating judge," he said. "In the meantime, I can announce that he denies any involvement in the facts of this case."
A total of 16 people were arrested. Police also seized €370,430 in cash, several luxury watches, including two watches worth around €360,000 each, jewellery, 100 gold coins worth a total of €116,522, luxury items, two bullet-proof vests, multiple weapons, including three firearms, 2.7 kilos of cocaine and 14 vehicles.
More information will be provided on Tuesday.
