The alleged misuse of Belgium’s National Lottery by Didier Reynders, former EU Justice Commissioner, has drawn significant attention. Suspicious lottery transactions linked to Reynders and his wife, involving nearly €50,000, have raised concerns of money laundering.
How Didier Reynders’ Lottery Transactions Raised Red Flags
The accusations focus on e-tickets, digital lottery vouchers worth up to €100 purchased in stores and deposited into online accounts. Investigators noticed two accounts, allegedly connected to Reynders and his wife, depositing nearly €25,000 each. Instead of reinvesting winnings, funds were frequently transferred to external accounts, raising suspicion.
E-tickets account for a small share of lottery sales, making such high transactions highly unusual. In 2024, only four of 6,500 outlets sold over €10,000 in e-tickets, placing these accounts under intense scrutiny.
The Timeline of Suspicious Lottery Transactions
In 2021, the National Lottery flagged irregular activity and enlisted KPMG to conduct a review. By early 2022, risks of money laundering were identified, prompting a report to prosecutors. Action was delayed until August 2023, just after Reynders’ term as EU Commissioner ended, raising questions about potential legal immunity.
Reynders Denies the Allegations
Through his lawyer, Reynders claims the funds came from his personal wealth and were unrelated to his political career. He has pledged full cooperation with authorities, dismissing earlier accusations of corruption as politically motivated.
Lotteries, unlike casinos, are rarely linked to money laundering due to stricter controls. This case highlights why they are an unlikely choice for hiding illicit funds.
