Controversial Belgium football star arrested as part of cocaine investigation
Controversial Belgium football star arrested as part of cocaine investigation
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Radja Nainggolan has been arrested as part of a wider investigation into cocaine trafficking into Europe from South America. Brussels federal police carried out thirty searches on Monday morning, mainly in the province of Antwerp and in and around Brussels as part of the investigation, seizing 2.7 kilos (nearly 6 lbs) of cocaine along with cash and a large number of luxury items. The Brussels public prosecutor's office confirmed that the former Belgium star was "deprived of his liberty in connection with this case.".
The probe focuses on the alleged importation of cocaine from South America via the port of Antwerp, and its redistribution in Belgium, the office said. Prosecutors said that 16 people were arrested in total. During the searches, police officers seized more than £310k in cash, several luxury watches - including two with a value of £302k each - jewellery, and a hundred gold coins worth more than £98k. Investigators also found two bulletproof vests and three firearms.
After several months without a club, Nainggolan came out of retirement to play second-tier Belgian side Lokeren-Temse. He celebrated his debut with a goal straight from a corner kick last weekend. His new team said in a statement that it only found out about his arrest from media reports.
"The club respects the presumption of innocence and therefore cannot comment further," they said. "We can only confirm that the player was absent from training this morning. 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.".
