Belgian prosecutors have confirmed that several individuals have been apprehended for questioning regarding their suspected roles in active corruption within the European Parliament. This development follows extensive investigative efforts aimed at addressing alleged corrupt practices disguised as commercial lobbying.
In a coordinated effort, Belgian police conducted raids at multiple locations across the nation, fueled by an inquiry into these serious allegations. “The integrity of our institutions is paramount,” a spokesperson noted, underscoring the importance of transparency in governance.
According to the federal prosecutor’s office, the questioning involves individuals linked to active corruption within the European Parliament, as well as charges of forgery and the use of counterfeit documents.
Approximately 100 police officers took part in the operation, resulting in 21 searches conducted not only within Belgium but also extending to Portugal. Such robust action highlights the seriousness of the investigation.
While Huawei has yet to provide a response to these allegations, the federal prosecutor’s office has revealed additional steps taken to safeguard the integrity of the investigation. An investigating judge has ordered the closure of European Parliament offices belonging to two parliamentary assistants implicated in the scandal, and it has been reported that a suspect has been apprehended in France.
This latest round of investigations comes more than two years after the infamous “Qatargate” scandal, during which multiple EU lawmakers were accused of receiving payments to advocate for the interests of Qatar and Morocco, both of which have strongly denied any wrongdoing.
The prosecutor’s office has refrained from disclosing details regarding the specific individuals or companies implicated in the current matter. However, they emphasized that the alleged corruption, attributed to a “criminal organization,” has been “practised regularly and very discreetly from 2021 to the present day” and has taken on various forms. Notably, this included “remuneration for taking political positions, excessive gifts such as food and travel expenses, and regular invitations to sporting events,” all aimed at advancing “purely private commercial interests” in political deliberations.
Moreover, the alleged kickbacks were reportedly disguised as conference expenses, funneled through various intermediaries, with ongoing inquiries into potential connections to money laundering. Central to the investigation is an ex-parliamentary assistant who previously held a position as Huawei’s EU public affairs director, signaling high-level implications within the case.
Further reports from Le Soir indicate that police have detained “several lobbyists,” who are expected to appear before a judge for questioning in the near future. It is worth noting that none of those currently under investigation are active EU lawmakers, according to police sources.
In light of these developments, a spokesperson from the European Parliament commented, stating that the institution “takes note of the information,” asserting its commitment to cooperating fully with judicial authorities when requested. “Accountability is essential in maintaining the trust of the public,” they added.
As this investigation unfolds, it underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring transparency and integrity within political institutions.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
