Since the first one initiated in 2004 by former Finance Minister Didier Reynders (MR), Belgians have taken advantage of the tax amnesty Single Release Declaration (DLU). A circular from the National Bank dated 8 June raises the problem of possible criminal proceedings for money laundering.

While tighter measures are likely to encourage targeted taxpayers to move towards a DLU4, this could prove to be a coup in the water. In a circular note, the National Bank (BNB) invites banks to verify the origin of funds repatriated during previous tax regularizations and to make a declaration to the CTIF (the Financial Information Processing Unit, which fights against money laundering) in the event that there is any doubt as to the legality of their origin. It is the “lookback” rule that requires banks to have a strict attitude even when it comes to repatriations

For several bankers, the National Bank's objective is above all a “marketing operation” in which it makes it clear that it is participating in the fight against tax evasion, whereas Belgium has the image of being a “sieve” with the Gafi (Financial Action Group). It is thus an extension of the report of the Court of Auditors, which invited the government to develop more active criminal proceedings