The director of the city’s judicial police, Stany De Vlieger, speaking at a New Year’s reception, said 2009 had been “a top year” in which more police had been detailed to follow the money trails behind criminal investigations.

The most valuable category was artworks, which are often the proceeds of crime. This year’s haul included a genuine Rembrandt. Cash and other negotiable notes like stocks and bonds came to €60m. Police also seized a Jacuzzi and a thoroughbred racehorse, a Porsche and a Ferrari, and eight gold ingots.

A judge will decide the ultimate fate of the seized property. A certain amount, at any rate, will find its way into the state coffers.

The main seizures:

Cash and bonds €60m

Gold €200,000

Artworks €80m

Racehorse €650,000

Luxury cars €1m

35 properties €23,5m

Also in 2009, Antwerp police examined 426 computer drives, tapped 825 telephone lines and identified 187 suspects using fingerprints.