Belgian TV presenter arrested in connection with armed robbery

One of Belgium football’s most prominent television presenters has been charged with being an accomplice to armed robbery.

Prosecutors said that Stephane Pauwels, 50, a host for football shows on French and Belgian television, was arrested as part of an extensive investigation. He is suspected of being an accomplice to ‘armed robbery with violence, firearms, at night, as part of a gang, using a vehicle.’

Pauwels is reported to have passed on the details of his partner’s former husband to a colleague, and complained the pair were being harassed by him. The colleague is alleged to have organised the raid on the man’s home.

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A 2017 robbery and ‘home invasion’ – according to media reports – occurred in Lasne, near Belgian capital Brussels.

The crime has been linked to other activities such as burglaries, drug dealing and other armed robberies, and so far has seen five people put into custody.

The arrest is part of an investigation launched several months ago into armed robberies, burglaries and drug dealing.

Five people are currently in custody as a result of it. Pauwels was given bail on Wednesday after appearing before a judge.

The presenter is not believed to have been present during the raid, and is not accused of any violence himself, Pauwels’ lawyers have said.

Pauwels’ employer, RTL Belgium, have suspended him from presenting duties.