Belgian Footballer Radja Nainggolan Arrested in Cocaine Trafficking Investigation
36-year-old midfielder detained as part of a nationwide police operation
- Belgian footballer Radja Nainggolan has been arrested in connection with a cocaine trafficking investigation.
- Details of the case remain limited as the investigation continues.
- He marked his return to professional football by scoring in his debut match
Belgian footballer Radja Nainggolan has been arrested in connection with a cocaine trafficking investigation.
The 36-year-old former international player was one of several individuals taken into custody by Belgian authorities on Monday morning following a series of coordinated raids across the country.
The Brussels prosecutor’s office confirmed that the investigation is focused on the alleged importation of cocaine from South America to Europe, specifically through the port of Antwerp, and its subsequent distribution within Belgium.
However, details of the case remain limited as the investigation continues.
Nainggolan’s arrest comes just days after he ended his retirement to sign with Lokeren, a club in Belgium’s second division.
He marked his return to professional football by scoring in his debut match, securing a 1-1 draw for Lokeren against K. Lierse.
A product of Antwerp, Nainggolan enjoyed a successful club career in Italy, where he played for Roma and Inter Milan. He also earned 30 caps for the Belgian national team between 2009 and 2018.
