Brussels public prosecutor investigates ING Belgium over role in Didier Reynders case
The Brussels public prosecutor's office is investigating possible influence peddling at ING Belgium, linked to how the bank handled its customer, former European commissioner Didier Reynders. The investigation was reported by Le Soir and confirmed by Brussels prosecutor Julien Moinil.
The investigation was launched after the National Bank handed over its inspection report on ING Belgium and its handling of the Reynders case to judicial authorities. This new probe is separate from the ongoing money laundering investigation involving Reynders.
Between 2008 and 2018, Reynders deposited nearly 700,000 euros in cash into his ING Belgium account. The bank reportedly began questioning him about these deposits in 2018 but only filed a statement with Belgium's Financial Intelligence Processing Unit in 2023.
Following the bank's inquiries, Reynders allegedly spent significant sums on lottery tickets and subsequently deposited his winnings back into his account.
Reynders, a former leader of francophone liberal party MR, deputy prime minister and European commissioner, has become the focus of scrutiny due to these financial transactions.
Since July, current and former ING Belgium executives have been appearing before the Central Office for the Fight against Corruption, which is investigating whether Reynders was afforded preferential treatment by the bank.
Le Soir reports that former CEO Erik van den Eyden and current CEO Peter Adams have been summoned for questioning as suspects in the case.
ING Belgium says that it cannot comment on specific cases.
© BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE
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