Controversial Antwerp Diamond Prosecutor Van Calster Dismissed

Antwerp's diamond traders are expecting to see more justice after prosecutor's dismissal. Above, Antwerp's Palace of Justice

(IDEX Online News) – Peter Van Calster, the controversial prosecutor that led the investigations against diamond companies in Antwerp, has been "relieved of his responsibilities," according to a spokesperson. In the past year, Van Calster himself was under criminal investigation.

Van Calster led a number of investigations against Antwerp's diamond sector, including the HSBC bank accounts and more. He was criticized for his drawn-out investigations that rarely concluded but which crippled the local diamond industry.

The investigations were the reason why many traders decided to move the bulk of their financial activities elsewhere.

Attorney General Yves Liegeois filed a number of complaints against Van Calster over the past year, alleging disciplinary infractions and crimes, according to the Gazet Van Antwerpen.

Liegeois accused Van Calster of “mishandling” the HSBC investigation and filled against him complaints for falsifying documents and breach of professional confidentiality.

Subjects of his investigations accused Van Calster of hiding documents from them, a major infraction of local legal proceedings.

While Van Calster's fruitless yet disastrous investigations were aimed at achieving court convictions, Attorney General Liegeois is reportedly in favor of settlements in tax related cases, an approach that costs authorities less and brings more to the state's coffers.

"Peter Van Calster is indeed relieved of his responsibilities," said spokesman Paul Van Tigchelt, adding that no disciplinary measures are being taken.