On Wednesday, Belgian authorities announced they opened a fraud investigation into former European Union Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders just days after his term ended. An Schoonjans, a spokesperson for the Brussels prosecutor general’s office, informed The Associated Press that the investigation involves “possible money laundering practices.” The official also mentioned that the inquiry involved house searches.
This news came shortly after Reynders, EU’s justice Commissioner since 2019, concluded his term over the weekend. Media reports from Le Soir and Follow the Money suggested that the investigation is related to money laundering associated with the national lottery. However, the Brussels prosecutor general’s office did not provide further details.
Renew Europe, the liberal European party of which Reynders is a member, stated that it would not comment on an ongoing investigation.
Any scandal involving Reynders could impact the European Commission, as he was responsible for ensuring the rigorous enforcement of Western rule of law principles, including a strong commitment to fighting corruption.
