Radja Nainggolan, the former Belgian international footballer, was arrested as part of a cocaine trafficking investigation, according to the Brussels prosecutor’s office.
The police detained 16 individuals, including Nainggolan, following several raids across Belgium on Monday morning. The operation is tied to allegations of importing cocaine from South America into Europe through the Port of Antwerp, with subsequent distribution across Belgium.
During the operation, law enforcement officials confiscated 2.7 kilos of cocaine, approximately half a million euros in cash, gold coins, an assortment of jewellery, and luxury watches, with two watches valued at 360,000 euros each. Additional seizures included three firearms, two bullet-proof vests, and 14 vehicles, the prosecutor’s office reported.
Nainggolan, 36, recently ended his retirement to play for a second-tier Belgian club, marking his return with a goal during his debut match over the weekend. His football career includes 30 national team appearances and spells with notable Italian clubs such as Cagliari, Inter Milan, and Roma. His move back to Belgium occurred in the summer of 2021, signing with Royal Antwerp. However, his contract ended early in 2023 after several controversies, including an incident involving an electronic cigarette on the bench.
