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Former EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders is under investigation for allegedly laundering approximately €1 million, a claim he has denied, asserting that the matter concerns the management of his private finances.
The probe into Reynders began just two days after he concluded his term as Justice Commissioner. Belgian public broadcaster RTBF reported that investigators are scrutinizing his financial activities, including the purchase of €200,000 worth of lottery tickets over the past five years and repeated large cash deposits into his bank accounts.
Through his lawyer, Reynders has rejected the allegations, stating that the investigation pertains solely to his personal wealth. “The criminal classification given to the facts as presented in the press is formally opposed, as a matter of both fact and law,” read the statement from his legal team. The statement further emphasized that “in no way are the political mandates he has held in question.” Reynders himself has declined to comment directly on the matter.
The investigation is still in its early stages, with the timeline for a resolution remaining uncertain. Given its complexity, the inquiry could take months or even longer to conclude. Should charges be filed, the case is expected to lead to prolonged court proceedings.
The initial report of the allegations came from Follow the Money, which noted that Reynders’ political career might create procedural challenges for investigators. As a former Belgian minister and European Commissioner, Reynders benefits from immunity that must be waived before legal proceedings can move forward—unless authorities determine that the alleged offenses were unrelated to his political roles.
In Belgium, money laundering is a serious offense, carrying a maximum sentence of five years in prison. However, prosecutors have not yet decided whether to bring formal charges against Reynders. For now, the case remains in its preliminary phase, with many questions left unanswered.
By fLEXI tEAM
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