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
WhatsApp (Meta) App Faces Stricter Regulations in the EU
According to a transparency report released by WhatsApp last year, its channels have exceeded 45 million monthly users in the EU,
Minnesota Shaken by 2026 US Immigration Court Ruling
UNRWA Headquarters in East Jerusalem Reportedly Set on Fire
“This unprecedented destruction represents the latest assault on the UN and the ongoing effort to undermine the status of Palestine Refugees in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and erase their history,” Mr. Laz
EU, India Reach Agreement on Trade Deal
On trade in services, Šefčovič stated that sectors such as telecoms, maritime, and financial services were expected to benefit.
“This is again something where also
Concluding Departure from Russian Gas in the EU
Hungary and Slovakia, which voted against the agreement, have threatened legal acti
US Winter Storm Severely Disrupts Travel in 2026
Russian Domodedovo Airport Set for Auction Sale
“The package will be available at an open auction, complying with legal regulations. I am confident the auction will proceed, as investors are interested,” Siluanov stated on Rossiya 24 TV.
Previously, in S
Drones Responsible for 75% of Ukraine War Casualties, According to Latvian Spies
In the initial phase of the conflict following Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian forces effectively employed drone warfare. However, since late 2024, the dynamics have shifted in favor of Russia, which adapted to the evolving technolog
Czechia Remains Far Behind EU in Solar and Wind Energy Utilization
Leave a Reply