Brussels antique dealer raided in Reynders money laundering probe
Belgian federal police have searched the home and gallery of a prominent Brussels antique dealer as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation involving former EU justice commissioner and ex-minister Didier Reynders. The operation took place in June and has been confirmed by the Brussels public prosecutor’s office.
The searches targeted Olivier Theunissen, a well-known figure in Belgium’s art world with a gallery in the prestigious Sablon district. He is also a former commercial court judge and vice-president of the Royal Chamber of Antiquaries and Art Dealers. Authorities have not confirmed whether Theunissen is under formal investigation.
The broader probe centres on suspicions that Reynders laundered up to 1 million euros over several years, partly through National Lottery e-tickets. He allegedly purchased these in cash and transferred the winnings to his personal bank accounts. Both the National Lottery and Belgium’s financial intelligence unit (CFI) filed separate reports with prosecutors and cited suspicious transactions dating back as far as a decade.
Investigative site Nationale4, which broke the story, reports that Jean-Claude Fontinoy, long seen as Reynders’ right-hand man, was a regular buyer at Theunissen’s gallery. Reynders, who denies all wrongdoing, has not been officially charged.
The prosecutor’s office has declined to provide further details to guarantee the secrecy of the investigation.
Didier Reynders © BELGA PHOTO LAURIE DIEFFEMBACQ