36-Year-Old Belgian Footballer Radja Nainggolan Arrested in Cocaine Trafficking Probe

Radja Nainggolan, the 36-year-old Belgian footballer, has been arrested as part of an investigation into cocaine trafficking. He was among several suspects detained by Belgian police on Monday morning following multiple raids across the country.

“The investigation concerns alleged importation of cocaine from South America to Europe through the port of Antwerp, and its redistribution within Belgium,” the Brussels prosecutor’s office stated.

During the raids, police confiscated over 370,000 euros ($389,000) in cash, luxury watches — including two valued at 360,000 euros each — jewelry, and 100 gold coins worth more than 116,000 euros. Authorities also discovered two bulletproof vests and three firearms.

The arrest occurred just six days after Nainggolan came out of retirement to join Lokeren in the Belgian second division. He scored on his debut, securing a 1-1 draw for his team against K. Lierse.

Born in Antwerp, Nainggolan spent much of his career in Italy, playing for Roma and Inter Milan. Between 2009 and 2018, he earned 30 caps for the Belgium national team.