Former EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders Investigated for Money Laundering

Belgian authorities are probing allegations that Reynders used the national lottery to launder funds over several years, with investigations intensifying after his recent exit from the European Commission.

Belgian prosecutors confirmed an investigation into Didier Reynders for alleged money laundering involving the use of national lottery e-tickets to transfer funds to his personal accounts.
Reynders, who served as EU Justice Commissioner from 2019 to 2024, had his residences searched and was questioned by police shortly after losing his immunity as an EU official.
The allegations date back to his tenure as Belgium's finance minister (1999-2011) and involve suspicious transactions flagged by the national lottery and financial intelligence units in 2023.
Reynders allegedly purchased lottery e-tickets with cash and funneled winnings through digital accounts, though the origins of the initial funds remain unclear.
This is not the first corruption accusation against Reynders, who has faced similar claims in the past, though prior investigations were dropped without charges.