Nainggolan Charged in International Drug Trafficking Probe

Radja Nainggolan, the former Belgian international footballer, was charged with membership in a criminal organization linked to cocaine trafficking following his arrest as part of a large-scale investigation by Brussels authorities. Nainggolan was among 18 suspects taken into custody during coordinated raids in Antwerp and Brussels, where police seized over 2.7 kilos of cocaine, significant amounts of cash, luxury items, and firearms. Released conditionally, he is allowed to resume training and participate in matches with his newly signed club, Lokeren-Temse. His lawyers clarified that the interrogation did not involve drug trafficking questions but focused on financial transactions with acquaintances. The investigation centers on the alleged importation of cocaine from South America through the Port of Antwerp for distribution within Belgium. Nainggolan, who recently returned from retirement, has faced scrutiny due to a prior association with a business partner linked to cocaine smuggling.