This archive report was first published on 12 September 2019.
On September 12, 2019, Belgian authorities launched a corruption probe into the transfer of Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, a key player in the country's football scene.
As part of the investigation, former Anderlecht general manager Herman Van Holsbeeck was detained on Thursday, according to a source close to the inquiry.
The probe centers on alleged illegal payments made during Mitrovic's transfer from Partizan Belgrade to Anderlecht in 2013 and then from Anderlecht to Newcastle United in 2015.
Belgian daily Le Soir reported that agent Christophe Henrotay, who represents players like Thibaut Courtois, is suspected of making illegal payments to Anderlecht bosses, including Van Holsbeeck, at the time of Mitrovic's move from Partizan for around five million euros.
Van Holsbeeck, a top figure at Anderlecht for 15 years, was removed from his position in 2018 when new management took over.
Belgian prosecutors confirmed an arrest in the investigation, but declined to name the individual.
Police conducted seven raids in Belgium, Monaco, and London, making two arrests, including Henrotay in Monaco.
Eric Van Duyse, spokesman for the Belgian Federal Prosecutor's Office, stated that two men were being held after being indicted for money laundering, forgery, private corruption, and criminal conspiracy.
