Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Radja Nainggolan, a former Belgian national team player and an Indonesian descent, was reportedly arrested by police in Brussels on Monday morning (January 27, 2025), in connection with an alleged cocaine smuggling operation from South America to Europe.
According to TeropongMedia, the arrest occurred as part of a large-scale investigation involving raids on 30 properties in Antwerp and Brussels. Radja Nainggolan’s alleged involvement ties him to a network smuggling drugs via the Port of Antwerp and redistributing them across Belgium.
The Arrest
Authorities had been monitoring Radja Nainggolan for suspected involvement in trafficking cocaine from South America to Europe. The Brussels prosecutor’s office had long suspected his ties to smuggling activities through the Port of Antwerp.
Radja Nainggolan was then arrested after authorities uncovered evidence of cocaine possession and traced business connections linking him to the smuggling operation. Radja Nainggolan was one of 15 suspects apprehended in the raids.
During the operation, police reportedly seized 2.7 kilograms of cocaine, over €370,000 in cash (approximately $400,000), three firearms, and various luxury items.
“This investigation concerns allegations of cocaine importation from South America to Europe via the Port of Antwerp and its subsequent redistribution in Belgium,” stated the Brussels Prosecutor’s Office, as reported by BBC.
Radja Nainggolan’s Career
The 36-year-old midfielder recently joined the Dutch second-division club Lokeren-Temse after leaving Indonesia’s Bhayangkara FC at the end of last season. Radja Nainggolan has had a distinguished career, playing for prominent European clubs such as Cagliari, AS Roma, and Inter Milan in Italy.
Before moving to Indonesia, Nainggolan began his professional career with Piacenza, then rose to prominence with stints at Cagliari, AS Roma, and Inter Milan. He later played for Antwerp and SPAL before joining Bhayangkara Presisi Indonesia FC.
Nainggolan recently made his debut for Lokeren-Temse in a match against Lierse on Friday (January 24), scoring an equalizer from a corner kick in a 1-1 draw.
Legal Proceedings
Just three days after his impressive debut, Nainggolan’s name made headlines again—this time for shocking allegations of drug smuggling.
Read Also:
Bali Melukat: Sacred Purification Ritual for Mental and Spiritual Cleansing
“We can confirm that footballer RN [Radja Nainggolan] has been detained in connection with this case,” said a statement from authorities.
While Radja Nainggolan has reportedly been officially arrested, no official statement has been made regarding potential charges or the sentence he might face if convicted.
(Raidi/Agung)
