The Brussels Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating the ING bank regarding its role in the money laundering case involving Didier Reynders (MR), former Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and former European Commissioner.
Brussels Public Prosecutor Julien Moinil is investigating corrupt lobbying at ING Belgium, Le Soir reported on Wednesday. The core of the case is the bank's treatment of its client, Didier Reynders, the office confirmed to VRT.
The investigation was launched after the National Bank of Belgium submitted its inspection report on ING Belgium and the bank's handling of the Reynders case to the authorities.
This means the new case is separate from the money laundering investigation into Reynders that is also ongoing.
Questioned as suspects
Since July, former and current ING Belgium executives have been appearing before the Central Office for Combating Corruption (CDBC), which is investigating whether Reynders received protection from his bank.
The bank's former and current CEOs, Erik van den Eyden and Peter Adams, have been summoned for questioning as suspects, like the other defendants, Le Soir reports.
Between 2008 and 2018, Reynders deposited nearly €700,000 in cash into his ING Belgium account. The bank allegedly questioned him about this since 2018, but only issued a statement to the Financial Intelligence Processing Unit (CFI) in 2023.
After the bank's questions, Reynders allegedly began spending large sums of cash on lottery tickets. He then deposited his winnings back into his account.
ING Belgium declined to comment on a specific case.
