Ghent (Eurotoday): Optima Bank, declared bankrupt in June 2016 with debts of €115 million, faces legal proceedings against former CEO Jeroen Piqueur and others for money laundering. The Ghent Criminal Court will hear the case on February 20, 2025.
Optima Bank went bankrupt in June 2016, and its former CEO Jeroen Piqueur, along with his son Ruben and daughter Rebecca, were arrested in December 2017. Jeroen Piqueur faces charges of misuse of corporate assets and money laundering. Investigators claim that 100 million euros were transferred from the Belgian bank to foreign countries like Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Several former executives, including ex-minister Luc Van den Bossche, are also facing charges in connection with the case.
What charges will Jeroen Piqueur face in the upcoming Optima bank trial?
The public prosecutor’s office requested that 12 suspects be sent to criminal court, while 8 individuals and companies were not referred. The Ghent indictment chamber decided to refer Piqueur and others to court in 2025 for various charges, including forgery and money laundering. Piqueur appealed the decision, but the Court of Cassation dismissed his appeal.
Piqueur has referred to the Ghent Court of Appeal, which stated in 2021 that Judge Serlippens’ investigation was not impartial. Because of this, the allegations could not be dismissed. However, the Court of Cassation disagreed with this ruling. The case will move to the Ghent Criminal Court, which will hear it for the first time on February 20. The defense may challenge the court’s setup, which could delay the proceedings. A report from bankruptcy trustees shows that the declared debts could be between 100 and 115 million euros, while an asset worth 91 million euros has already been realized. The Guarantee Fund also received an advance of 37.5 million euros in 2020.
Comments
7 responses to “Optima Bank’s Jeroen Piqueur Appears in Ghent Court Over €115 Million Bankruptcy Scandal”
-
Ah, Jeroen Piqueur’s court appearance in Ghent over a €115 million bankruptcy scandal—just the kind of riveting drama the Flemish were missing from their otherwise uneventful Tuesday. Who knew that playing financial hide-and-seek with millions could make such a splash? One can’t help but wonder if he brought along a paella as a peace offering; after all, nothing says “I’m sorry” quite like a good meal while the lawyers do the heavy lifting!
-
Ah, Jeroen Piqueur—truly a master of financial gymnastics, flipping €115 million into a spectacular bankruptcy show. One can only wonder if he’ll be offering lessons at the local café in Ghent next, because who wouldn’t want to learn the art of disappearing money while sipping a fine espresso? Bravo, Jeroen, for keeping the courtroom drama more riveting than a Belgian soap opera!
-
Ah, Jeroen Piqueur showing up in Ghent court—who knew the Optima Bank saga could turn into such a riveting courtroom drama? With €115 million on the line, it’s almost as if he’s auditioning for a role in “Desperate Bankers of Belgium.” One can only hope the judge has a decent sense of humor, because this financial farce could use a good laugh!
-
Ah, the delightful Jeroen Piqueur—trading in the glory of banking with all the finesse of a squirrel on a tightrope; who knew €115 million could vanish faster than a Belgian chocolate at a diet convention?
-
Ah, the illustrious Jeroen Piqueur gracing the Ghent court like a celebrity at a film festival; who knew that a €115 million bankruptcy could turn into such a riveting spectacle—perhaps next year’s Festival of Fiascos can showcase his family reunion on trial?
-
As Jeroen Piqueur waltzes into the Ghent Court like a rock star at a charity gala, one can’t help but wonder if €115 million in debts is just his way of starting a new trend in avant-garde banking—because who needs fiscal responsibility when you’ve got a flair for the dramatic?
-
Ah, the illustrious Jeroen Piqueur, strutting into Ghent Court like a long-lost cousin at a family reunion, ready to explain how one can “accidentally” misplace €115 million while looking for a good spot to park one’s yacht in Liechtenstein—what a delightful masterclass in financial gymnastics!
Last News
Sudan: SAF Drones Strike Civilians Despite Protection Claims
At least fifty-seven people were killed in just two days, according to United Nations human rights officials, with many of the victims being children. The types of targets—a market, a displa
What to Anticipate in Reeves’ Spring Statement
Sam and Anne examine the sectors demanding additional funding—particularly student loans and defense—even though Rachel Reeves claims this isn’t the time for increased expenditure.
Meanwhile, in the Lords, is the assisted dying bill nearing its
Four Years Later: LWF Sustains Hope in Ukraine
Reflecting on the four-year mark of the conflict in Ukraine, Bishop Pavlo Shvarts, head of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ukraine, remarked, “It is a tragic day for our people and our history.” He expressed gratitude, saying, “We sincerely thank all of you who continue to pray for us and to keep our church in your heart.” Bishop Shvarts urged continued support for the church’s efforts
Inside the EU Ambassadors’ Crisis Bunker
Coreper meetings — regular assemblies of EU ambassadors — are increasing in frequency, showcasing how the bloc is evolving. Previously seen mainly as preparatory, these meetings now play a crucial role in shaping discussions before leaders meet.
The energy narrative progresses. The European Commission addresses Hungary’s alerts about disrupti
EU Eases Supply-Chain Due Diligence Rules
On Tuesday, 2
Merz Advocates for Adjusting Germany’s ‘Unhealthy’ Trade Relations with China
Responding to these concerns, Merz called for fair competition, emphasizing the need for transparency, reliability, and adherence to established
Updates on Temples in Brazil, the Philippines, Texas, and South Dakota
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced that the groundbreaking services for the Teresina Brazil Temple will occur on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Elder Ciro Schmeil, First Counselor in the Brazil Area Presidency, will preside at the event.
As previously announced, the Teresina Brazil Temple will be built on a 3.60-acre site locate
Canada’s AI Minister Blames OpenAI for ‘Failure’ After Mass Shooting
OpenAI’s head of policy, Chan Park, alongside six other company representatives, met with members of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Cabinet on Tuesday in Ottawa — a meet
Somalia: Hungry Population Almost Doubles in One Year
La menace Trump plane sur l’accord de libre-échange UE-Mexique
Pour le Mexique, c’est une façon de réduire sa forte dépendance envers l’économie américaine. Cependant, cette dépendance même rend
Leave a Reply