Belgian police have raided the offices of Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei as part of an extensive investigation into alleged corruption involving members of the European Parliament. The probe, initiated by Belgian intelligence services, is focused on accusations of bribery, forgery, and the formation of a criminal organization under the guise of commercial lobbying.
According to the Belgian federal prosecutor’s office, more than 100 police officers searched 21 locations across Belgium and Portugal, detaining several individuals for questioning. Authorities suspect that EU lawmakers received payments in exchange for political statements, as well as “excessive gifts such as food and travel expenses or regular invitations to football matches.” Investigators allege that these illicit transactions were disguised as conference expenses and funneled through intermediaries to avoid detection.
While the prosecutor’s office did not explicitly name Huawei, Financial Times reported that the Chinese company was at the center of the probe. Belgian media and investigative outlet Follow the Money were the first to reveal Huawei’s involvement. The company has not yet responded to requests for comment.
The European Parliament confirmed it had received a request for cooperation from Belgian authorities and pledged full compliance with the investigation. However, parliamentary officials stated that no raids were conducted on its premises, nor has there been any request to lift the immunity of any sitting members.
This latest scandal places additional scrutiny on the European Parliament, which was rocked by a major corruption scandal in 2022. That case led to the arrests of then-parliament vice-president Eva Kaili, her partner Francesco Giorgi, and former MEP Antonio Panzeri on charges of corruption, money laundering, and participation in a criminal enterprise. The scandal, known as “Qatargate,” alleged that Qatar and other countries bribed EU lawmakers to secure favorable policy decisions. Despite multiple arrests, legal complications have delayed trials.
The ongoing probe has continued to expand, with former MEP Maria Arena also facing charges in January 2024. None of the accused have been convicted, and all deny any wrongdoing.
The Huawei-linked investigation raises fresh concerns over foreign influence in EU institutions, adding to growing tensions between Brussels and Beijing over security and trade issues. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the future of lobbying regulations and corporate influence within the European Union.
