Belgian federal police conducted 21 searches across multiple regions on Thursday as part of an ongoing corruption investigation involving the European Parliament. The probe, led by federal
prosecutors, is focused on alleged lobbying-related corruption linked to Chinese telecom giant Huawei.
The operation, involving approximately 100 officers, was carried out in Brussels, Flanders, Wallonia, and Portugal. The searches were first reported by Le Soir, Knack, Follow The Money, and Reporters United before being officially confirmed by the federal prosecutor’s office.
Allegations of corruption and forgery
According to the prosecutor’s office, several individuals were detained for questioning over their suspected involvement in active corruption within the European Parliament. The charges also include forgery and the use of falsified documents, allegedly committed within a criminal organization.
Investigators suspect that the corruption dates back to 2021 and has continued to the present under the guise of commercial lobbying. The alleged activities include payments for political influence, as well as lavish gifts such as expensive meals, travel perks, and invitations to high-profile events like football matches.
“These actions were aimed at advancing purely private commercial interests in the context of political decision-making,” the prosecutor’s office stated.
Huawei lobbyists under scrutiny
Reports indicate that multiple Huawei lobbyists have been arrested in connection with the investigation. Among them is Belgian-Italian Valerio Ottati, who has served as the Director for Public Affairs at Huawei’s EU representation office since 2019.
The lobbyists are accused of working to counter espionage allegations against Huawei, push for increased Chinese investment in the European market, and oppose efforts by U.S. lobbyists to block the Chinese firm from securing sensitive contracts.
Financial transactions under investigation
Investigative journalists report that at least one Member of the European Parliament (MEP) allegedly received financial deposits through a company in Portugal, prompting searches there as well. While no MEPs’ residences were raided, prosecutors have not ruled out requesting the lifting of parliamentary immunity for those involved. Reports suggest that up to 15 MEPs could be implicated.
A pattern of corruption in the European Parliament?
This case is reminiscent of the high-profile Qatargate scandal, in which European lawmakers were accused of accepting bribes from Qatar and Morocco to influence EU policy. That investigation, which began in December 2022, exposed significant corruption within the European Parliament.
As authorities continue their probe into the Huawei lobbying case, further developments could have wide-reaching implications for EU transparency and policymaking.