By Abigail Philip David
Former Belgian international footballer Radja Nainggolan was arrested on Monday as part of an investigation into cocaine trafficking through the port of Antwerp, the Brussels prosecutor’s office has confirmed.
Police conducted multiple raids across the country, leading to the arrest of several suspects, including the 36-year-old footballer.
“The investigation involves alleged cocaine imports from South America to Europe via the port of Antwerp and their redistribution within Belgium,” prosecutors said in a statement. Further details of the case have not been disclosed.
Nainggolan, born in Antwerp, recently came out of retirement to join a lower-tier Belgian football club, Lokeren. His career includes 30 appearances and six goals for Belgium’s national team.
The midfielder has played for top Italian clubs, including Roma, Inter Milan, and Cagliari. He returned to Belgium in 2021 to play for Royal Antwerp but left the club in early 2023 after several controversies, including being suspended for smoking an electronic cigarette on the bench.
Nainggolan signed with Lokeren last week, marking his debut over the weekend with a goal in a 1-1 draw against K. Lierse.
