Tax inspectors re-open investigation into Optima money laundering

Federal finance minister Johan Van Overtveldt (pictured) has asked the special tax unit (BBI) to re-open an investigation into suspected money laundering activities of the Ghent-based Optima bank, which was declared bankrupt earlier this month.

The investigation into the use of Luxembourg insurance derivatives to launder Belgian cash remains officially open, though it had seen little movement since 2013. A court in Ghent had ruled at the time that documents uncovered by BBI the year before could not be used as evidence against Optima.

“A number of matters have recently come to light in the media that raise various questions,” a finance ministry spokesperson said. “The minister is ready to respond.” The investigation is expected to require considerable resources and manpower.

Next week the federal parliament’s finance committee will hold a hearing on Optima. During a meeting of the Panama committee, with representatives from the National Bank and the financial services regulator FSMA present, a number of members had attempted to ask questions about Optima, but were disallowed by chair Ahmed Laaouej. Opposition socialists are pressing for the establishment of a separate committee to consider the case.

Meanwhile, Ghent mayor Daniël Termont has issued a video message in which he denies rumours of close links to Optima via his friendship with main shareholder Jeroen Piqueur. “I have nothing – and I mean nothing – to do with Optima Group or Optima Bank,” he said. The mayor denied holding any shares or bonds and did not have a seat on the board. “I don’t even have an account,” he said.

Photo courtesy NV-A