Two years after the first Panama papers were leaked, Belgian justice authorities have had access for the first time to some 11 million documents from the Mossack Fonseca Panamanian cabinet, Le Soir and De Tijd newspapers, and Knack magazine reported.
The investigators, including investigating judge Michel Claise went to Germany last week and were able to obtain the papers. They focused on one file, pertaining to Experta, the Luxembourg branch of the former Franco-Belgian group, Dexia.
Experta was reportedly the Mossack Fonseca client linked to the most offshore companies. A judicial investigation was initiated and searches were conducted in December 2017 at Dexia and Belfius Bank.
While the fisc had to wait two years to consult some of the Panama Papers, it nevertheless was able to impose 11.7 million euros in additional taxes and fines since April 2016, thanks to the disclosures. Over 100 investigations are still ongoing, according to Le Soir.
A new leak of documents linked to the Panama Papers has also revealed the names of 133 Belgians, in addition to the 732 names in the first batch of papers leaked two years ago. The new names do not include known personalities, but they do include members of certain noble families, including a prince, De Tijd reported.
