Arrests and Diamond Confiscations in Belgium Smuggling Case

Authorities made arrests and has confiscated diamonds in a diamond smuggling case in Antwerp, local media reported. Belgian judicial authorities suspect diamonds worth €14 million ($20 million) were brought into the country illegally from Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast).

According to the reports, an unnamed manager from Peri Diamonds is the main suspect. Enforcement authorities claim a ring of smugglers operated for a couple of years and that the investigation has been initiated over a year ago.

Peri Diamonds executives were not available to comment.

In the past couple of years, a series of raids and arrests have rocked Antwerp, most seem to be connected to the Monstrey case.

In October 2005, Belgium's police arrested a number of Monstrey Worldwide Services managers and sealed their offices. Since then authorities have been conducting a number of investigations that stem from it.