Former Belgian international footballer Radja Nainggolan has been placed under suspicion for his alleged involvement in a criminal organisation following his arrest on Monday.
The 35-year-old, currently playing for Lokeren-Temse, was apprehended as part of a large-scale investigation into cocaine trafficking from South America to Europe.
Nainggolan appeared before a magistrate on Tuesday afternoon, alongside 17 other individuals, following a series of property searches across the Antwerp province and Brussels.
The footballer was questioned about his potential connection to the criminal network but was not directly implicated in drug trafficking activities.
His lawyers, Mounir and Omar Souidi, clarified that the former Belgian Red Devil was not charged with money laundering and only questioned about financial transactions related to supporting acquaintances. Nainggolan reportedly gave money to friends out of kindness, though this is under scrutiny.
While the investigation has cast a shadow over the well-known player, Nainggolan has been released on conditions and is expected to resume training with Lokeren-Temse as early as Wednesday.
His return to football comes after the confirmation that he was not directly involved in the trafficking or distribution of narcotics.
The police action on Monday was part of a larger investigation into cocaine importation via the port of Antwerp, one of Europe’s largest entry points for illicit substances.
Authorities have now charged nine individuals, including Nainggolan, for their roles in the trafficking operation.
According to the Public Prosecutor Julien Moinil, the suspects have been indicted for a range of charges, including importing, transporting, and selling narcotics without a licence, as well as their participation in a criminal organisation.
Among the arrested, eight individuals face an arrest warrant, while one has been released under conditions.
During the extensive 30 property searches, police seized a significant array of items, pointing to the scale of the operation.
In addition to 2.7 kilos of cocaine, investigators uncovered €370,430 in cash, luxury watches valued at €720,000, jewelry, 100 gold coins worth €116,522, and several firearms, including three guns.
Police also recovered two bulletproof vests and 14 vehicles, further demonstrating the operation’s far-reaching criminal nature.
The focus of the investigation has been the smuggling of cocaine from South America to Europe, using Antwerp as a primary transit hub for distribution within Belgium.
A key figure in the operation, believed to be based in Dubai, remains at large as authorities continue to track their movements.
Nainggolan’s involvement in the investigation has raised eyebrows, given his prominence in Belgian football.
The midfielder was once a fixture in the national team, representing Belgium at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and making significant contributions to clubs such as Roma and Inter Milan.
Despite his release, the case continues to draw attention due to the scale of the trafficking operation and the high-profile nature of one of its suspects.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are keen to piece together the network behind the cocaine smuggling operation, with Nainggolan’s role still being examined.
However, for now, the former international footballer has avoided formal charges and can focus on resuming his professional career.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members