Brussels police arrested footballer Radja Nainggolan on Monday morning as part of an investigation into cocaine trafficking from South America to Europe. Authorities revealed that the network used the port of Antwerp to smuggle drugs into the continent.

A high-impact investigation

This case is part of a broader operation targeting organized crime, focusing on cocaine distribution in Belgium. So far, authorities have carried out over 30 house searches, mainly in the provinces of Antwerp and Brussels.

Prosecutor Julien Moinil confirmed the news to Le Derniere Heure:

“The investigation concerns alleged acts of importing cocaine from South America to Europe via the port of Antwerp and its redistribution in Belgium,” he stated.

Nainggolan’s stance and his defense

The player’s lawyer, Omar Souidi, emphasized the presumption of innocence for his client and refrained from providing further details about the case:

"No further comments will be made at this time."

Controversial connections

One of Nainggolan’s business partners in The Aviation Factory Rad Lab, a luxury villa and private jet rental company, had previously been linked to cocaine smuggling in 2016. He was convicted in the United States for transporting 1,100 kilos of cocaine under orders from the terrorist organization Hezbollah.

A new chapter in his sports career

Just five days before his arrest, Nainggolan signed with Lokeren-Temse, a Belgian Serie B team. During his unveiling, he declared:

"Money isn’t the most important thing to me. I do it for football."

The club confirmed the player missed training following his arrest and issued a statement reaffirming their respect for the presumption of innocence as the investigation continues.