Kickboxer Jamal Ben Saddik is in hot water once again. “The Goliath” was recently arrested for kidnapping and assault related to a drug smuggling conflict. He has been detained on suspicion of kidnapping.
Jamal Ben Saddik
This arrest happened just days after Jamal Ben Saddik had a prior sentencing. The striker was fined 40,000 euros for money laundering and fraud. Ben Saddik is said to have laundered money from the cocaine trade for a Dutch sports agent. Additionally, Ben Saddik was accused of using encrypted phones to facilitate the cocaine trade. Saddik has appealed the court’s decision in that case but has found himself in trouble with the authorities again.
In the most recent arrest, the Belgian athlete may have ordered the kidnapping and assault of a dock worker who took money to receive cocaine, however, didn’t follow through. However, Jamal Ben Saddik was arrested. Saddik isn’t yet charged with drug trafficking, he’s being investigated for involvement with a criminal organization.
It’s worth noting that Saddik has had previous legal issues. In March 2021, he was one of the first suspects arrested in the Sky ECC case, suspected of selling encrypted phones used by criminals. He was released after a month and a half with an ankle bracelet. In 2022, his family faced multiple attacks, including his home being shot at and his kickboxing club being targeted, linked to a drug conflict involving his brother.
Sources close to the athlete dispute the charges and accusations altogether. An anonymous person spoke to VechtSportInfo and said:
“No one knows exactly what is going on and the people around Jamal had to hear the news from the press. Even his lawyer knows nothing. It’s simple: Jamal is always available and trains every day. But the fact that he’s a big drug lord is bullshit. He drives an old car and has to make ends meet his fight income.”
Many fans were hoping to see Jamal Ben Saddik back in GLORY Kickboxing sometime this year, as he is a great rival of the champion Rico Verhoeven. Rumour has it that he was close to participating in this year’s heavyweight Grand Prix. But between cancer and multiple arrests, the athlete is having a rough 2024.