Belgium bugged Anderlecht football stadium to spy on Huawei MEP lobbying, says POLITICO

Belgian security agents bugged Huawei’s VIP box at RSC Anderlecht stadium as part of a corruption probe involving EU lawmakers and suspected lobbying by the Chinese tech giant.

Belgian intelligence services secretly recorded conversations inside a VIP box rented by Huawei at the RSC Anderlecht football stadium in Brussels, as part of a sweeping investigation into allegations of corruption and foreign influence within the European Parliament, POLITCO reports.

Three sources with direct knowledge of the operation said that Belgian agents also monitored Huawei’s senior lobbyist in other settings, including his personal vehicle. The surveillance led prosecutors to formally request that certain Members of the European Parliament have their immunity lifted, allowing for further investigation into their potential involvement.

The box, located at Lotto Park and acquired for the 2024/25 season for around €50,000, became a meeting space where Huawei representatives engaged with European lawmakers. According to those close to the investigation, invitations were first sent to assistants before reaching newly elected MEPs, as well as politicians from across party lines and former EU officials.

Belgian authorities are now examining whether this access was part of a broader strategy to influence EU policymaking in favor of Huawei. Investigators believe the luxury suite was used as a soft-power tactic to build relationships and potentially “grease” the political wheels, one source said.

Prosecutors are probing possible offenses ranging from bribery and improper influence to lavish gifts, funded trips, and exclusive event access offered to lawmakers and their teams. These activities are alleged to have occurred between 2021 and late 2024.

The operation reflects growing concern in Brussels over the depth of Chinese influence within EU institutions. Similar scandals in the past have prompted calls for stricter transparency and lobbying regulations.

A person familiar with the legal process said the use of such surveillance techniques is routine in corruption cases of this magnitude.

As scrutiny intensifies, Huawei and several individuals connected to the case are expected to face mounting pressure from Belgian and European authorities in the months ahead.

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