Belgian Police Raid Tied to Huawei Lobbying Scandal

Belgian authorities have launched a significant crackdown on alleged corruption linked to Chinese tech giant Huawei, detaining several lobbyists amid extensive raids. The focus of the investigation centers on bribery and shady lobbying practices aimed at influencing EU lawmakers.

Belgian law enforcement agencies have executed a series of raids across the country as part of a wide-reaching investigation into corruption purportedly linked to lobbying activities within the European Parliament. Prosecutors revealed that the alleged corrupt practices have been taking place "since 2021," presenting themselves as legitimate commercial lobbying while engaging in activities like financial incentives for political favors, extravagant gifts, and invitations to high-profile events, including football matches.

The Belgian newspaper Le Soir reported that the investigation has connections to Huawei, the Chinese technology firm, which has been under scrutiny in Brussels for its methods of influencing political decision-making. Specific locations across Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia were searched, totaling 21 raids, with some additional investigations being carried out in Portugal as well. While police have detained several individuals suspected of being Huawei-affiliated lobbyists, they confirmed that no Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) were arrested during the operation.

The prosecutor's office continues to investigate "active corruption within the European Parliament," examining allegations of bribery against current and former MEPs. Alongside this, law enforcement is delving into issues of forgery and the potential use of forged documents, and they are probing possible links to money laundering activities. This series of developments indicates a serious attempt by Belgian authorities to unravel a possible scheme of corrupt practices and enhance transparency within EU legislative processes.