Gambling addiction: the postman who stole Remco Evenepoel’s card in court
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30 Jan 2025 •
Reading time: 2 minutes A postman from Anderlecht is accused of stealing dozens of bank cards to finance his gambling addiction. Among the victims is Belgian champion Remco Evenepoel.
The case, reported by VRT, broke out when a resident of Schepdaal, Belgium, reported to her bank that she had not received her new bank card. She also reported having noticed fraudulent withdrawals from her account.
Investigators quickly identified the local postman thanks to surveillance footage showing him using an ATM. A search of his home revealed around fifty stolen bank cards, some of which belonged to individuals and others to companies.
Remco Evenepoel also affected by the theft
Remco Evenepoel, a two-time Olympic champion and one of the most prominent cyclists of his generation, was directly affected by this case. Among the cards searched was one from a company in which Remco Evenepoel is a shareholder, intended for the cyclist’s personal use. The stolen card in his name was used to withdraw 9,000 euros, a substantial sum that fueled the postman’s gambling habits.
Gambling addiction, the driving force behind the crime
The postman’s gambling addiction was at the heart of this case. According to the authorities, he systematically misused the bank cards that passed through his hands to fuel his vice. This addiction led him to commit illegal acts, jeopardizing his career and his freedom.
According to the Halle-Vilvoorde public prosecutor’s office, the postman admitted to using the stolen cards to finance his gambling addiction.
“He withdrew nearly 19,500 euros in total with the stolen cards. The cards used were then thrown away or returned to their rightful owners.”
The prosecution requested an 18-month prison sentence, most of which was suspended, stressing that the accused had acted under the influence of a pathological addiction. The final verdict will be delivered on 27 February 2025.
EPIS to combat gambling addiction
This case shows the extent to which gambling addiction can lead to risky behaviour. This is why Belgium is working to promote effective prevention solutions and raise public awareness of the risks of excessive gambling.
The fight against gambling addiction is based on several mechanisms, including the EPIS list (Excluded Persons Information System). This system, managed by the Gaming Commission, prohibits access to casinos, gaming rooms and approved online gaming platforms to registered persons. Registration can be voluntary, for those who wish to protect themselves, or imposed by the courts, a relative or a competent authority.
If you think you are suffering from a gambling addiction, you can register on this list, and also request psychological support from an association such as SOS Gokken on 0800 35 777, this line is accessible 24/7.