Brussels denies knowledge of Reynders's alleged money laundering, willing to cooperate with police

The criminal revelations regarding Didier Reynders, a former European Commissioners, continue to send shockwaves through Brussels.

Transcript

00:00The European Commission was unaware of the investigation into the alleged money laundering

00:06by former European Commissioner Didier Reynders.

00:09The Belgian politician was Commissioner for Justice until last Saturday.

00:13So first of all, did you have any indications that Mr. Reynders was engaging in any malpractice

00:18during his mandate?

00:19We do not have any further information about this matter.

00:23Of course, if the Belgian authorities were to contact us, we are going to collaborate

00:28with them.

00:30Mr. Reynders still enjoys a certain immunity linked to his former position.

00:34If it were to be withdrawn, the decision would be up to the current College of Commissioners.

00:40So indeed members of the College are accorded immunity, but solely, only in the interest

00:48of the Union.

00:50What does that mean?

00:51It means that they benefit from immunity for acts performed by them in their official capacity.

00:57So it's a functional immunity.

01:01According to French daily Le Soir and investigative platform Follow the Money, Reynders' homes

01:06were searched by police on Tuesday, apparently following suspicions that he may be laundering

01:10money through the Belgian national lottery.