Belgian Politician Didier Reynders Accused of Money Laundering through National Lottery

^{Pictured: Didier Reynders, former EU Commissioner for Justice}

Belgian prosecutors have filed money laundering charges against Didier Reynders, the country’s former Foreign Minister and ex–European Commissioner for Justice, Le Soir reports.

The investigation began after ING Belgique flagged nearly €700,000 in cash deposits made to Reynders’ personal account over a ten-year period. The politician claimed the funds came from the sale of art and antiques, but investigators deemed the explanation insufficient.

According to prosecutors, the cash may have originated from multiple sources and was partly used for participation in the Belgian National Lottery, which allegedly served to give the money a legal appearance.

Since 2008, Reynders had been a frequent lottery participant, regularly purchasing electronic and paper tickets at a petrol station near his home. Investigators believe he spent roughly €200,000 on tickets over five years — all paid in cash.

A clerk at the station confirmed that Reynders often paid with banknotes. Prosecutors allege he could have used the state lottery to launder large sums by repeatedly buying tickets and then depositing any winnings officially through his bank account.

While there is no direct evidence yet, the lottery transactions have become a key focus of the case. Notably, between 1999 and 2011, while serving as Belgium’s Finance Minister, Reynders oversaw the National Lottery.

Police searched Reynders’ properties in December 2024, with follow-up actions continuing into the summer of 2025. Reynders has denied the accusations, insisting all transactions were legitimate and conducted with personal funds. His lawyer reminded the public of the presumption of innocence.

Earlier, Gambling Park reported that relatives of Sri Lankan politicians were implicated in the embezzlement of $400,000 from a lottery fund.