Raids in Belgium Target Huawei Lobbyists Amid EU Corruption Investigation

Belgian police conducted raids linked to Huawei as part of a broader investigation into corruption within the European Parliament. Several alleged lobbyists have been detained, with accusations of bribery and improper enticements to influence MEPs’ decisions since 2021.

Belgian police have launched a series of raids across multiple locations, in connection to a growing investigation into corruption allegations within the European Parliament. According to prosecutors, this case revolves around malpractices labeled as "commercial lobbying," leading to the detention of several individuals for questioning.

Reports indicate that the investigation has been directed at the Chinese telecommunications company, Huawei, and its lobbying initiatives in Brussels since the year 2021. The BBC has reached out to the company for a statement regarding these allegations.

Prosecutors revealed that the corrupt actions allegedly unfolded regularly and discreetly from 2021 up until the present and took various forms, including compensation for political positions, lavish gifts encompassing travel expenses and meals, and regular invitations to high-profile events like football matches.

Belgian newspaper Le Soir reported that those detained are suspected lobbyists tied to Huawei, accused of bribing current or former Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to advance the company's business interests. A police source confirmed to AFP news agency that none of the arrested individuals were MEPs themselves at this time.

In total, 21 separate raids took place in Brussels, along with areas in Flanders and Wallonia, as confirmed by the prosecutor's office. The ongoing investigation is targeting "active corruption within the European Parliament" while also looking into "forgery and use of forged documents," all under the umbrella of a "criminal organisation" with possible implications of money laundering depending on the conclusions reached during this inquiry.