Prosecutor and labour authority launch investigation into chef Seppe Nobels
Justice and labour inspection are investigating Antwerp chef Seppe Nobels (44) for suspected fraud and worker exploitation at his social projects.
Prosecutor and labour authority launch investigation into chef Seppe Nobels
The Antwerp justice authorities opened a dual investigation on Monday into well-known chef Seppe Nobels (44). Both the local prosecutor's office and the labour authority are investigating whether the restaurateur committed financial fraud and violated labour laws.
The investigation was prompted by an article in De Morgen. The article revealed that Nobels allegedly used money from a non-profit organisation for private expenses. He is also said to have paid for a rehabilitation facility in Thailand last year using funds from the same organisation.
The Instroom project, which helps asylum seekers find work in hospitality, is also under scrutiny. Former staff members claim that participants were deployed as cheap labour rather than as trainees.
The labour authority formally confirms that an investigation is ongoing into "labour law violations" at Nobels and his companies. Inspectors are working with police services for this purpose. Spokeswoman Danaïs Fol emphasises that innocence is presumed until proven otherwise.
Later in the day, the Antwerp prosecutor's office joined the investigation. The Ecofin department, which specialises in white-collar crime, is leading the investigation.
Nobels himself speaks of a personal grudge and denies any wrongdoing. Regarding rumours about cocaine use, he responded evasively: "Addiction is an illness. I want to encourage everyone struggling with it."
Despite the controversy, his Instroom restaurant on the Left Bank remains open. On social media, the chef thanked his supporters for their massive confidence. "The many reservations feel like a warm embrace for the whole team."
Source: Nieuwsblad
Source: Nieuwsblad