Belgian authorities conducted searches at the Brussels headquarters of Chinese tech giant Huawei and at 21 homes across Belgium—and even in Portugal—as part of a fresh corruption probe into alleged bribery of members of the European Parliament.
According to investigative reports from Follow the Money, Le Soir, and Knack, lobbyists working for Huawei are suspected of paying bribes to influence EU decision-making. Sources claim that around 15 current and former MEPs might be implicated in the case. The police operation, described as covert, targeted potential evidence of crimes including bribery, forgery, money laundering, and criminal organization, with documents and electronic devices being confiscated during the searches.
A 41-year-old lobbyist, Valerio Ottati, identified as a central figure in the investigation, is said to have joined Huawei six years ago after previously working for Italian MEPs on China dossiers. Belgian authorities have indicated that if the investigation implicates current MEPs, they will request that the European Parliament waive their immunity. A spokesperson for the Parliament affirmed that the institution “always cooperates fully with the judicial authorities.” To date, however, no searches have been conducted at the European Parliament itself, and no immunity waivers have been requested.
This latest probe comes at a time when the European Parliament is still grappling with the fallout from the 2022 Qatargate scandal, which exposed corruption involving cash and other benefits exchanged by some MEPs for influencing EU policies. The new allegations risk further damaging the institution’s reputation, with far-right and Eurosceptic politicians once again alleging systemic corruption within the EU.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities continue to examine the extent of Huawei’s lobbying activities and their potential influence on European policy-making, underscoring growing concerns about foreign interference in EU affairs.
France’s government is moving to pass emergency legislation to keep the state operating into January after lawmakers failed to agree on a 2026 budge...
Australia’s most populous state has passed sweeping new gun control and anti-terror laws following a mass shooting at Bondi Beach, tightening firear...
Thailand and Cambodia both reported fresh clashes on Wednesday, as the two sides prepared to hold military talks aimed at easing tensions along their ...
The United States will impose and enforce sanctions "to the maximum extent" to deprive Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of resources as Russia warn...
Diplomatic efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine remain at an early and uncertain stage, despite increased international engagement....
European Union and Western Balkans leaders met in Brussels on Wednesday for a high-level summit aimed at strengthening strategic ties and advancing the EU enlargement agenda, with officials emphasising the strategic importance of bringing the region into the bloc.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered a strong message against antisemitism on Wednesday during a Hanukkah celebration in Brussels.
European leaders are searching for ways to keep Ukraine afloat as the war with Russia continues, and as financial support from the United States declines.
French naval forces opened fire on a swarm of unidentified drones that flew over one of the country’s most sensitive military installations, the Île Longue submarine base in western Brittany, officials confirmed on Friday.
Vince Zampella, co-creator of the Call of Duty gaming franchise, has died in a car crash involving a Ferrari crash on Monday in Los Angeles, United States.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is monitoring recent Iranian military exercises and will raise the issue with U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit to Washington next week.
Paramount has reaffirmed its bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, offering $30 per share in cash and backing the proposal with a $40.4 billion personal equity guarantee from billionaire Larry Ellison, despite the target company’s board urging shareholders to reject the offer.
U.S. President Donald Trump has approved plans to construct a new class of battleships, which he described as larger, faster and significantly more powerful than any previous U.S. warship.
As the European Commission warns of possible visa suspension, Georgian authorities reject accusations of democratic backsliding. What is really at stake — and who could be affected most?
France’s government is moving to pass emergency legislation to keep the state operating into January after lawmakers failed to agree on a 2026 budget, as pressure grows from investors and credit ratings agencies.
Australia’s most populous state has passed sweeping new gun control and anti-terror laws following a mass shooting at Bondi Beach, tightening firearm ownership rules, banning the public display of terrorist symbols and expanding police powers to restrict protests.
Thailand and Cambodia both reported fresh clashes on Wednesday, as the two sides prepared to hold military talks aimed at easing tensions along their shared border.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 24th of December, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The United States will impose and enforce sanctions "to the maximum extent" to deprive Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of resources as Russia warned other Latin American countries could be next, the U.S. told the United Nations on Tuesday.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment