Antwerp Lawyer Jorgen Van Laer Sentenced to Suspended Prison Term for Money Laundering Attempt

Antwerp lawyer Jorgen Van Laer, 45, has been sentenced to two years in prison, suspended, and a 40,000 euro fine for attempted money laundering and involvement in a criminal organization. The court found Van Laer guilty of attempting to launder money and participating in activities aimed at obtaining significant financial gains by advising on money laundering schemes. Intercepted communications from the encrypted messaging service Sky ECC revealed that Van Laer provided money laundering services to drug criminals between March 2020 and January 2021. He also traveled to Dubai for further discussions related to these activities. The court noted that Van Laer struggled with alcohol and cocaine addiction during that period, making him more susceptible to criminal proposals. However, the court emphasized that this addiction does not justify his actions. The court did take into account that he has since addressed his addiction issues and is now free from them. The prosecution had initially sought a community service sentence and a fine, while the defense argued for acquittal.