Former European Commissioner Under Investigation for Money Laundering
Early this week, former European Commissioner Didier Reynders‘ Uccle and Vissoul residences were searched as part of a money laundering investigation, according to sources. The Brussels public prosecutor’s office and the Ecofin directorate of the Brussels federal judicial police are leading the investigation.
Reynders, 66, was questioned by police but, due to parliamentary immunity granted him during his time as a federal minister and European commissioner, he was neither detained nor charged. Should authorities seek to lift this immunity,
a formal procedure would need to be initiated before the Chamber.
It is understood that the investigation stems from a report filed by the Ctif, which identified a series of suspicious transactions over an extended period, concluding last year. These transactions, accumulating to a substantial sum, appear linked to the purchase of quantity of e-tickets using cash.
The raids occurred mere days after the conclusion of Reynders’ term as European Commissioner, making this revelation especially sudden and significant.
Reynders’ team declined to comment when contacted for a statement.
What are the potential legal ramifications of Didier Reynders’ parliamentary immunity in relation to the money laundering investigation?
**Host:** Joining us today to discuss the shocking news about former European Commissioner Didier Reynders is legal analyst, Sarah Jones. Sarah, thanks for being here.
**Sarah Jones:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** Didier Reynders’ homes were searched this week as part of a money laundering investigation. He’s accused of using e-tickets to launder money. What are your initial thoughts on this case?
**Sarah Jones:** This is a bombshell, especially given Reynders’ recent position as Justice Commissioner. The optics are terrible. It raises serious questions about transparency and accountability within the European Commission.
**Host:** Reynders has parliamentary immunity. How does that complicate the investigation?
**Sarah Jones:** It throws up a significant legal hurdle. Prosecutors will need to make a strong case to have that immunity lifted, which could be a lengthy process.
**Host:** Do you think the timing of these raids, just days after Reynders left office, is significant?
**Sarah Jones:** Absolutely. It suggests investigators had been building this case for some time and wanted to move quickly once Reynders lost his immunity.
**Host:** There are many who will be watching this case closely.
What impact do you think this will have on public trust in the European Commission?
