Moroccan Kickboxing Champion Jailed for Money Laundering Scheme

– bySaid@Bladi · 1 min read
Moroccan Kickboxing Champion Jailed for Money Laundering Scheme

The Antwerp court handed down a heavy sentence against Moroccan kickboxer Jamal Ben Saddik, sentencing him to forty months in prison and a fine of 40,000 euros. His brother Said and a close friend also received prison sentences and fines for their involvement in a vast money laundering and fraud system.

The case began as part of a Dutch investigation targeting businessman Karim S., suspected of orchestrating a money laundering network within his sports stores. Jamal Ben Saddik is said to have played a key role in this system by facilitating the laundering of around 130,000 euros.

The evidence presented to the court notably revealed that the Moroccan had had a luxurious kitchen worth 23,000 euros financed by Karim S.’s mother-in-law. The kickboxer’s brother, Said Ben Saddik, was sentenced to 30 months in prison and a 24,000 euro fine, while their mutual friend received a 4-year prison sentence and an 80,000 euro fine.

Jamal Ben Saddik, who proclaims his innocence, has announced his intention to appeal the decision. "I count on the fact that justice will prevail," he said on Instagram.