Two longstanding associates of former Belgian foreign minister and ex-European commissioner for justice, Didier Reynders, have been formally charged with money laundering.
The move marks a significant development in the long-running judicial investigation into the former liberal politician.
Jean-Claude Fontinoy, described as Reynders’ former right-hand man and a multi-task adviser in his ministerial cabinets who also held public mandates and worked as an art expert, and Olivier Theunissen, a Brussels antiquarian based in the Sablon district and a personal friend of Reynders, were charged in recent weeks.
That forms part of the same money-laundering probe targeting Reynders, who was charged in October 2025.
Investigators are examining the suspected laundering of at least €900,000 of dubious origin, including large cash deposits made into an ING account until 2018, the purchase of National Lottery tickets and the possible use of art and real estate transactions.
Searches were carried out at premises linked to Fontinoy and Theunissen last June.
Former European Commissioner of Justice Didier Reynders, being investigated for alleged possible money laundering, earns a double pension, it has been revealed. https://t.co/HKvypjvedF
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) December 18, 2024
Fontinoy has been accused of involvement of several corruption cases connected with Reynders in the past.
In recent months, numerous witnesses have been questioned, some of whom were shown photographs of furniture and artworks believed to have passed through the hands of Reynders, Fontinoy or Theunissen.
The probe is led by investigating judge Olivier Leroux, who took over the case in December 2024.
Brussels public prosecutor Frédéric Van Leeuw confirmed the charging of both to the investigative outlet Nationale 4, which broke the news.
Up until this point, it was only Reynders himself that was being prosecuted in a personal capacity.
All three men — Reynders, Fontinoy and Theunissen have claimed there was no wrongdoing.
From 1999 to 2011, Reynders had been Belgian justice minister and was politically responsible for the Belgian Lottery between 2007 and 2011.
He has been accused of wrongdoing and corruption several times but never found guilty of any offence by a Belgian court.
Didier Reynders, who was serving as European Commissioner of Justice under EC President Ursula von der Leyen until a few days ago, has been put under investigation by Belgian authorities amid allegations of money laundering. https://t.co/tRtojlsKAy
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) December 4, 2024
