A real bolt from the blue in Belgian politics: Didier Reynders, the former MR strongman and outgoing European Commissioner for Justice, is suspected in a money laundering case. His home was searched. Didier Reynders, often nicknamed “Teflon Reynders” for his ability to resist scandals, is this time on the edge of the precipice.
Revelations on suspected money laundering
On the merits of the case, we still know very little at this stage. It is The evening and the independent journalism site specializing in corruption, Follow the Moneywho revealed the affair, confirmed by the Brussels prosecutor’s office. An investigation has indeed been opened concerning suspicion of money laundering. The houses of Didier Reynders, located in Uccle and the Liège region, were searched.
The modus operandi is astonishing, almost amateurish. Didier Reynders is suspected of having laundered cash by playing National Lottery games of chance over a long period. Surprising, but, according to Follow the Moneycertain games offer interesting returns, such as Win for Lifewith a redistribution rate of 78%, or a laundering cost of 22%. A seemingly classic method. Remember that Didier Reynders benefits from the presumption of innocence.
Timing of the European Commission
Another surprising point: the timing, just a few days after his departure from the European Commission. According to The eveningthis investigation, initiated in 2023, could only fully develop after his departure. Earlier searches would have required authorization from the College of European Commissioners, where Didier Reynders sat, thus compromising the secrecy of the investigation. If the investigation is successful, Parliament will have to decide on a lifting of parliamentary immunity, because the alleged facts would also cover his period as minister.
This is a new indictment for the man whom the Flemish press nicknamed “Teflon Reynders” when he was minister (1999-2019). This nickname was given to him for his ability to escape scandals that could have buried his career.
- In 2008, during the Fortis affair which led to the resignation of Prime Minister Yves Leterme, Didier Reynders, then Minister of Finance, resisted criticism.
- A year later, when tax revenues plunged by billions of euros, documents show that the administration had alerted the minister, but the warnings were ignored. Despite the accusations, he gets away with it again.
- In the Kazakhgatethe controversial naturalization of oligarch Patok Chodiev is facilitated by a law on plea bargains. Didier Reynders is indirectly targeted, but he is cleared by the parliamentary commission of inquiry and the courts.
- In the affair of Libyan funds illegally thawed while they were under international sanctions, he is worried but falls through the cracks.
- Finally, he was involved in controversies surrounding the lifestyle of his right-hand man, Jean-Claude Fontinoy. A former state security agent accuses them both of corruption, an investigation is opened, but dismissed.
Prudence
Perhaps this affair will end, like others, in blood sausage. History invites us to remain cautious. Especially since at the same time, the Qatargate investigation is floundering and has still not yet led to trials. That said, Didier Reynders, already in difficulty after his departure from the European Commission and his absence on the MR’s European list, sees his political future seriously compromised. Even if he proves his innocence, these searches undoubtedly mark the end of the journey.
