Former Belgian international footballer Radja Nainggolan has been taken into custody amid an extensive investigation concerning cocaine trafficking into Europe from South America, according to the Brussels Public Prosecutor’s Office.
On Monday morning, Brussels federal police executed around thirty raids, mainly in the Antwerp province and nearby Brussels, as part of this inquiry. During these operations, officials confiscated approximately 2.7 kilograms (about 6 pounds) of cocaine, along with a significant amount of cash and various luxury goods.
The public prosecutor confirmed that Nainggolan was “deprived of his liberty in connection with this case” and indicated that a total of 16 arrests were made. The investigation revolves around the alleged smuggling of cocaine from South America through the port of Antwerp, followed by its distribution within Belgium.
In the course of the searches, law enforcement officers retrieved over 370,000 euros (roughly $389,000) in cash, alongside a number of luxury watches—including two valued at 360,000 euros each—jewelry pieces, and about a hundred gold coins totaling more than 116,000 euros. Authorities also discovered two bulletproof vests and three firearms.
After a period without a club, Nainggolan had recently come out of retirement to join the second-tier Belgian team Lokeren-Temse. He marked his debut with a goal scored directly from a corner kick last weekend.
In response to the arrest, Lokeren-Temse released a statement indicating that they were informed of the situation through media coverage. The club emphasized its commitment to the principle of presumption of innocence, thus choosing not to comment further on the matter, but confirmed his absence from training on the day of the arrest. “The club will continue to focus on tomorrow’s crucial league match against KAS Eupen. Radja Nainggolan is not eligible to play in that match anyway,” the statement read.
At 36 years old, Nainggolan has represented Belgium in 30 matches, although he has not participated for the national team since March 2018. Renowned for his passionate style of play, the central midfielder spent the bulk of his career in Italy, notably with clubs such as Roma and Inter Milan.
Throughout his career, Nainggolan has faced several disciplinary challenges. While at Roma in 2018, he was fined and excluded from a match after posting a series of erratic live videos on Instagram while intoxicated on New Year’s Eve. Additionally, while with Royal Antwerp in 2022, he was suspended for smoking an electronic cigarette on the bench, with the club expressing concerns about his conduct potentially affecting team morale.
