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
Impact of Iran War on Supply Chain: Intensified Global Food and Trade Disruptions by Dubai 2026
The Iran war su
Rubio to Visit Italy Following Trump’s Disputes with Meloni and Pope Leo
Trump also posted an AI-generated image depicting himself in a Christ-like manner. After facing criti
A Plea to FDA and EMA: Remove Barriers to Approving Type 1 Diabetes Treatments
HARPERS FERRY, WV, UNITED STATES, April 22, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The prominent journal Diabetes Care has released “The Importance of C‑Peptide for Developing T1D Disease‑Modifying Therapies,” authored by G. Alexander Fleming (Ki
US to Reduce Troop Presence in Germany ‘Much More Than 5,000,’ Says Trump
NATO stated it was “working with the U.S. to understand the details” of the Pentagon’s d
Voglana introduceert moderne wandklokcollectie met ambachtelijke afwerking en stil uurwerk
Voglana — premium merk voor moderne wandklokken en tafelklokken met minimalistisch design
Voglana Estilo moderne wandklok in een lichte woonkamer met minimalistisch interieur
Voglana Avvolo slingerklok in antiek goud met ambachtelijke afwerking voor modern interieur
Het premium wandklokmerk presenteert handgemaakte modellen vanaf 260 euro met stil Duits kwartsuurwerk voor Nederland en Be
Form 8.3: Man Group PLC
FORM 8.3
PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORERule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)
1. KEY INFORMATION
(a) Full name of discloser:
Man Group PLC
(b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a): The naming of nominee or vehicle companies
European Commission to ‘Keep Options Open’ on Trump’s Tariff Threat
Tensions are rising concerning the Scotland deal’s implementation. The U.S. has expressed frustration over the EU’s delay in reducing tariffs, while Europe is upset about a 26 percent U.S. tariff on aluminum and steel.
EU go
WISDOMTREE MULTI ASSET ISSUER PLC
LEI: 2138003QW2ZAYZODBU23
WISDOMTREE MULTI ASSET ISSUER PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
(the “ISSUER”)
(a public company incorporated with limited liability in Ireland)
NOTICE IN RESPECT OF A DAILY SWAP RATE AMENDMENT IN RESPECT OF CERTAIN CLASSES OF ETP SECURITIES
This notice pertains to the ETP Securities listed below (the “Affected Security”) issued under the Issuer’s Collateralised ETP Secu
Lebanon: Health System Overwhelmed After ‘Horrific’ Day of Israeli Strikes
Pistorius of Germany Downplays US Troop Reduction, Highlights Europe’s Defense Efforts
The Pentagon’s statement will still maintain about 33,000 U.S. troops in Germany, changing a buildup that started under President Joe Biden.
A European Commission spokesperson informed POLITICO that the U.S. mil
Leave a Reply