Victims testify about alleged fraud by former Merksem lawyer

The opening hearing of the case against former Merksem lawyer Marc Gadisseur brought dozens of alleged victims into a packed Antwerp courtroom, where they described losing money entrusted to him.

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I am almost 100,000 euros out of pocket.

Gadisseur allegedly defrauded more than 80 clients of about 12 million euros. His son and an accountant are also standing trial. Victims said funds placed in third-party accounts for inheritances, property purchases and other transactions disappeared instead of remaining protected.

Linda Bollen said she had not recovered any of the 60,000 euros she gave Gadisseur while trying to recover money connected to an inheritance dispute. Another woman, who remained anonymous, said nearly 100,000 euros set aside during divorce proceedings to buy her marital home had vanished. She later moved abroad after finding housing she could afford there.

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I sat next to him and asked him whether he was not ashamed.

Marina De Ruyck said she never received the 11,000 euros paid into a third-party account linked to Gadisseur’s son after she tried to sell her business to a former partner. Other alleged losses ranged from several thousand euros to more than 500,000 euros.

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There are people here living in a tiny room who can no longer pay for anything. Because of all the misery he caused, some people have even ended up in hospital. He has no idea what he has done.

Bollen said she confronted Gadisseur in the courtroom and asked whether he felt ashamed. Lawyer Nick Heinen, who represents 15 victims, said Gadisseur’s attendance came as a welcome surprise because it showed he was taking responsibility. The case alleges that the missing money funded a luxury lifestyle that included expensive cars and a private yacht.

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It was a welcome surprise because he is at least taking responsibility by being here.