Didier Reynders, former EU Justice Commissioner, is under investigation for suspicious lottery transactions. Allegedly, Reynders and his wife funneled nearly €50,000 through Belgium’s National Lottery, raising serious concerns about potential money laundering.
Allegations Surrounding Didier Reynders’ Lottery Transactions
The investigation focuses on e-tickets, digital lottery vouchers purchased in physical stores and deposited into online accounts. Suspicious activity flagged two accounts tied to Reynders and his wife, each depositing almost €25,000. These accounts transferred most funds to external bank accounts instead of reinvesting, triggering red flags.
In 2024, e-tickets accounted for a small share of lottery sales, making large transactions highly unusual. Out of 6,500 outlets, only four exceeded €10,000 in e-ticket sales, making the activity stand out sharply.
Timeline of the Didier Reynders Scandal
In 2021, the National Lottery flagged irregular behavior and enlisted KPMG for a detailed review. By early 2022, the investigation confirmed the risk of money laundering, prompting a report to prosecutors. However, legal action was delayed until August 2023, shortly after Reynders’ EU Commissioner term ended. This raised speculation about whether concerns over legal immunity played a role in the delay.
The funds in question total €1 million, with approximately 20% allegedly laundered through lottery transactions.
Reynders Denies the Allegations
Reynders claims the funds originated from his personal wealth and denies any connection to illegal activities. Through his lawyer, he has pledged full cooperation with authorities and dismissed previous allegations of corruption as politically driven.
Lotteries are generally seen as a poor tool for money laundering due to strict controls. The attention this case has drawn highlights the challenges of using lotteries for such schemes.