10 suspects in the case involving the Antwerp diamond company Omega Diamonds made a deal with the Antwerp Prosecutor’s office and special Tax Inspection in 2013. It involved a settlement of 160 million euros. It would therefore appear that 205 million euros worth of suspicious transactions will not be taken into account, according to information in De Tijd on Tuesday. Between 2003 and 2008, Omega Diamonds imported uncut diamonds from Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates. They drew up certificates based on false papers, to financially benefit the company. The Antwerp-based company denies any fraud.
The Antwerp Correctional Tribunal acquitted Omega Diamonds last Thursday. Customs and Excise had launched a judicial case against it. But it now seems that at least 205 million euros worth of diamond transactions between the Antwerp-based firm and fictional companies in the United Arab Emirates were not included in the settlement.
If customs does not appeal against this acquittal, the suspects could only be fined 160 million euros, and not be punished for this 205 million.
(Source: Belga)
