Arrests have come quickly in Belgium in the residency permits for sale scandal. These include an 86-year-old businessman, Pierre Salik, described as the ringleader of a group of Belgians, possibly as many as 12, who are alleged to have paid three members of Monaco’s Public Security service – two now retired – to issue and renew residency permits gained under false pretences.
The police also seized a large sum of money this week, according to the Belgian Federal Prosecution Service. Salik’s lawyer has said that his client, retired from the textile industry, is “shocked” by the allegations, which he denies.
In Monaco, an investigation has been opened into corruption, fraud, abuse of confidentiality and money laundering.
Article first published November 23, 2016.
READ MORE: Belgians denounced for fraudulent residency permits by Monaco’s Public Prosecutor