Police Raid Antwerp Diamond Dealers in Money laundering Investigation
October 25, 06
Police raided the offices of more than five diamond dealers in Antwerp Tuesday, part of an investigation into suspected money laundering. Authorities said they are checking information that stems from the Monstrey case a year ago.
In early September 2005, Belgium's police seized goods from an armored truck belonging to shipping firm Monstrey Worldwide Services, sealed off their Antwerp offices, and arrested several people.
The latest raid did not result in any arrests.
According to HRD spokesperson Philip Claes, the HRD is disappointed. “When Freddy Hanard took office [as Managing Director], he made it clear that we want a clean and transparent Business.”
Claes added that the Antwerp diamond industry’s roof organization is in ongoing discussions with the government over the implementation of anti-money laundering legislation in Antwerp’s diamond industry.