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Radja Nainggolan faces two-year prison request for money laundering
Brussels prosecutors have requested a two-year prison sentence and a 105,000 euro fine for former Belgian international footballer Radja Nainggolan. He is accused of money laundering in connection with an investigation into an international cocaine trafficking ring.
The investigation, which began in March 2023, targeted a criminal organization suspected of importing large quantities of cocaine from South America through the Port of Antwerp. While Nainggolan is not charged with drug trafficking or membership in the criminal organization, authorities allege he laundered approximately 105,500 euros.
Prosecutors claim Nainggolan received the cash from Nasr-Eddine Sekkaki, the brother of known criminal Ashraf Sekkaki, and subsequently transferred the funds in installments to Sekkaki’s mother’s bank account using fictitious construction work as a justification.
Nainggolan has denied the allegations, stating he borrowed the money to maintain his lifestyle because his Italian bank accounts were frozen following a divorce. His legal team maintains his innocence and plans to argue for an acquittal during the court hearing scheduled for November 13.
Entities
Ashraf Sekkaki · Brussels Public Prosecutor's Office · Brussels prosecutor's office · Nasr-Eddine Sekkaki · Patro Eisden · Patro Eisden Maasmechelen · Port of Antwerp · Radja Nainggolan
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The investigation involves a network importing cocaine from South America via the Port of Antwerp. www.abola.pt
- [● 4 SOURCES] Nainggolan allegedly received over 100,000 euros in cash from Nasr-Eddine Sekkaki. www.abola.pt · www.vi.nl · www.voetbalprimeur.be
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Brussels Public Prosecutor's Office requested a two-year prison sentence for Radja Nainggolan. www.abola.pt · www.vi.nl · www.voetbalprimeur.be
- [● 4 SOURCES] Nainggolan claimed he needed cash because his Italian accounts were blocked due to a divorce. www.abola.pt · www.vi.nl · www.voetbalprimeur.be
- [● 4 SOURCES] The money was reportedly repaid in installments to the bank account of Sekkaki's mother. www.abola.pt · www.vi.nl · www.voetbalprimeur.be
- [● 3 SOURCES] Nainggolan's lawyers plan to plead for acquittal on November 13. www.vi.nl · www.voetbalprimeur.be
- [● 3 SOURCES] Nainggolan stated he was unaware of Sekkaki's criminal reputation before his arrest. www.abola.pt · www.vi.nl
- [● 4 SOURCES] Nainggolan faces a fine of 105,000 euros. www.abola.pt · www.vi.nl · www.voetbalprimeur.be