Huawei Lobbyists Targeted in Belgian Raids Over EU Corruption Probe
Belgian authorities have carried out a series of raids as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption within the European Parliament. Prosecutors claim the corruption was disguised as "commercial lobbying," with several individuals taken in for questioning.
Officials confirmed that police also searched an address in Portugal, while in France, one person was arrested in connection with the case.
According to Belgian newspaper Le Soir, the investigation centers on Chinese tech giant Huawei and its activities in Brussels since 2021. The BBC has contacted Huawei for a response.
Prosecutors allege that bribery was systematically carried out in a discreet manner, involving various forms of compensation for political influence. These included financial incentives, excessive gifts such as luxury travel and meals, as well as invitations to high-profile football matches.
Several individuals suspected of working as lobbyists for Huawei were detained on allegations of bribing current or former Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to advance the company’s trade interests, Le Soir reported.
As part of the operation, Belgian police sealed two offices inside the European Parliament at the request of the investigating judge. However, a spokesperson for the prosecutor’s office told the BBC that no MEPs were directly targeted in the raids.
A total of 21 searches were conducted across Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia. Authorities are investigating charges of “active corruption within the European Parliament,” along with allegations of document forgery and the use of falsified records. The case is also linked to a broader probe into potential money laundering within what prosecutors describe as a “criminal organization.”
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