Fugitive son of textile tycoon extradited to Belgium in tax fraud case

A 34-year-old man from Haaltert has been extradited from the United Arab Emirates to Belgium as part of a major tax fraud investigation.

The man is the son of the former owner of sportswear brand Jartazi. He is a suspect in the so-called “Dagobert” case, which looks into tax evasion and money laundering linked to his family’s textile business.

According to newspaper De Morgen, several family members are suspected of using fake invoices to move around €5 million through shell companies in Thailand and Bangladesh. The money was sent abroad and later brought back to Belgium in cash by couriers.

Investigators say the funds were hidden from tax authorities and used to pay for a luxury lifestyle, including expensive watches, jewellery, cars, property and travel.

The investigation began in 2022 after the man’s father was caught at Brussels Airport with €72,000 in cash. Police later carried out searches and seized luxury vehicles.

The public prosecutor’s office in Halle-Vilvoorde confirmed the extradition. After questioning, the suspect was released under strict conditions.

Prosecutors say the investigation is now complete and will soon be sent to court, where judges will decide whether the case goes to trial.

^{​#FlandersNewsService | Illustration photo © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}