Radja Nainggolan, the former star of Cagliari, Roma, and Inter, has found himself in the spotlight again, but not for his football achievements. This time, he was arrested in Brussels as part of a major investigation into cocaine smuggling. The news sent shockwaves, especially since Nainggolan signed with Belgian second-division club Lokeren Temse just five days ago, where he made an immediate impact by scoring directly from a corner on his debut.Former Belgium international Radja Nainggolan has been arrested as part of an investigation into drug trafficking, the Brussels Public Prosecutor’s Office said. pic.twitter.com/JlJDLtcxlT— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 27, 2025 According to the Brussels prosecutor’s office, Nainggolan was detained on suspicion of involvement in organizing cocaine smuggling through the port of Antwerp, his hometown. Belgian police conducted raids on about thirty properties, mostly in Antwerp and Brussels, including his apartment, which is currently up for sale. During the raid, his electric car, a Smart Brabus, was also seized.Belgium’s bad boy: The ‘golden generation’ had too many ‘divas’Nainggolan, known for his “wild” image and alleged connections to dubious circles, has previously been linked to criminal activities. Back in 2016, one of his business partners was convicted in the United States for allegedly attempting to smuggle 1,100 kilograms of cocaine on behalf of Hezbollah. At the time, Nainggolan dismissed any involvement and jokingly defended his business ventures, which included organizing luxury services like private jets and villas for footballers. This time, however, the situation appears far more serious. The prosecutor’s office has been cautious about releasing information to avoid jeopardizing the investigation or presumption of innocence. The cocaine in question was reportedly intended for the Belgian market, and the large-scale anti-smuggling operation suggests the involvement of a highly organized network.##NAJAVA_MECA_8666218##Known for saying that “money isn’t the most important thing” and that his move to Lokeren was about enjoying football, Nainggolan now faces serious charges that could overshadow his career and life off the pitch. If the allegations prove true, his future looks uncertain, while Belgian football is now grappling with one of the biggest scandals in recent years.
