Belgian footballer Radja Nainggolan was arrested as part of an investigation into cocaine traffic. The former international midfielder, known for his stays in Roma and Inter Milan, would be questioned as part of a broader investigation. The authorities have not yet confirmed the extent of his involvement in the case.
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The former midfielder of Roma and Inter Milan, Radja Naingolan, who also represented the Belgian national team, was arrested Monday as part of a survey on cocaine trafficking in South South America To Europe, reported the reuters news agency.
Cocaine was said to have been processed by the port of Antwerp, said the Brussels prosecutor’s office in an official statement, adding that thirty searches were carried out on Monday as part of the investigation.
Nainggolan arrested in an investigation into cocaine trafficking
According to Belgian practice, the declaration did not appoint Nainggolan, giving only its initials and its profession. Nainggolan is currently playing for the Belgian professional football team Likeren-Temse.
Nainggolan’s lawyer Omar Souidi said that the football star would remain in prison overnight while the examining magistrate would continue to interrogate Tuesday morning. He added that his client is a professional footballer, not a criminal, denying his client’s involvement.
The arrest was previously reported by local media, which also said that around a dozen people had been arrested in the investigation.
The Nainggolan management team did not immediately respond to Reuters’ comments.
The Nainggolan club Likeren-Temse, said in a statement that the player was absent from training on Monday morning. The club added that it respects the presumption of innocence and refused to comment more.
Last year, the former Dutch international Quincy Promes was sentenced to six years in absentia by a Dutch court for his participation in the smuggling of 1,360 kg (3000 pounds) of cocaine by the Belgian port in the Netherlands in two expeditions in 2020.
With agency entries
