Alleged Misuse of Belgian National Lottery
Didier Reynders, former EU Justice Commissioner, and his wife are facing allegations of laundering nearly €50,000 through the Belgian National Lottery. Investigators are scrutinizing high-value transactions involving e-tickets, raising suspicions of financial misconduct.
The allegations focus on digital lottery vouchers, or e-tickets, worth up to €100. These vouchers, purchased in physical outlets, can be deposited into online accounts and subsequently transferred to personal bank accounts. In 2024, only four of the 6,500 lottery outlets recorded over €10,000 in e-ticket sales. Two accounts linked to Reynders and his wife each deposited close to €25,000. Investigators noted most funds were transferred out instead of being reinvested, fueling suspicions.
Investigative Timeline and Delays
The National Lottery flagged concerns in 2021, prompting an independent review by KPMG. By early 2022, the review uncovered potential money laundering and reported findings to federal prosecutors. However, formal action was delayed until August 2023, just after Reynders completed his EU Commissioner term. This delay has raised questions about whether legal immunity shielded him during his tenure.
Investigators estimate that €1 million is under scrutiny, with approximately 20% suspected of being funneled through lottery transactions.
Reynders Denies Wrongdoing
Reynders has strongly denied the allegations, asserting that the funds in question stem from personal wealth and have no connection to his political career. Through his lawyer, he has emphasized full cooperation with authorities and dismissed the accusations as politically motivated.
Typically, lotteries are not linked to money laundering due to stricter oversight and lower payout rates compared to casinos. This case, however, has drawn significant attention, illustrating the challenges of using lotteries to disguise illicit funds.
