Belgian authorities have launched a probe into allegations made against Didier Reynders, who is seeking to be confirmed as the European Union’s next justice commissioner. Preliminary investigations have started looking into claims made by a former member of the country’s intelligence services about alleged corruption and money laundering in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Foreign minister Mr Reynders denied all the accusations made, according to the De Tijd newspaper.
He was named alongside arms dealers and a Congolese presidential candidate by the former intelligence agent, who last April made the allegations to the police.
It was alleged Belgium’s next commissioner took bribes during the construction of the Belgian embassy building in Kinshasa.
It was further alleged that he received or laundered cash through the purchase of antiques, property and transactions in tax havens.
The Brussels public prosecutors office has confirmed there is currently a criminal investigation underway into Mr Reynders.
But the probe will only be able to move past its preliminary stages if it is elevated to a full judicial investigation.
Police will first decide if there is credible evidence before handing the investigation to a team of specialist magistrates who focus on ministerial corruption claims.
Mr Reynders told journalists: “I am absolutely unaware of an investigation.”
He added that he has instructed his lawyer to contact prosecutors to deny the allegations and defend his rights.
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Rule of law across the EU has been a hot topic due to complaints that Poland and Hungary are creeping towards authoritarian states.
Ms von der Leyen wrote: “I want you to focus on tighter enforcement, using recent judgements of the European Court of Justice showing the impact of rule-of-law breaches on EU law as a basis.”
Mr Reynders is a vastly experienced Belgian politician, having held the role of foreign minister since 2011 and before that overseeing defence and finance posts.