Belgian Police Raids Tied to Huawei Corruption Investigation in EU Parliament

Belgian authorities have launched a major corruption investigation related to Chinese technology firm Huawei, conducting simultaneous raids and detaining several individuals in connection with alleged bribery and lobbying activities aimed at influencing European Parliament members.

Belgian police have initiated a sweeping investigation into corruption within the European Parliament, executing multiple raids across the country linked to the Chinese tech company Huawei. Prosecutors stated that these activities were allegedly disguised as commercial lobbying and included various corrupt practices such as lavish gifts, political compensation, and connections to high-profile events, including football matches.

As reported by Belgian newspaper Le Soir, Huawei has been under scrutiny since at least 2021, with the police executing a total of 21 raids in Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia. Authorities are investigating claims of bribery involving both current and former Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), although no MEPs have reportedly been detained during the recent police actions.

The prosecutor's office elaborated on the complexity of the situation, indicating that the investigation is not only targeting active corruption but also examining issues of forgery and potential money laundering within the framework of a larger criminal organization. Additionally, a search was conducted at an address in Portugal as part of the ongoing inquiry. The implications of this investigation underscore the need for transparency and ethical standards in lobbying practices, especially within influential political institutions like the European Parliament.