Belgian Police Target Huawei Lobbyists in EU Corruption Bust

Belgian authorities conducted extensive raids linked to alleged corruption involving Huawei lobbyists within the European Parliament, resulting in several arrests and ongoing inquiries into bribery and forgery.

Belgian police have carried out a series of raids across the country as part of a sprawling investigation into corruption connected to the European Parliament. This operation, which saw the detention of several individuals for questioning, focuses on alleged corrupt activities masquerading as commercial lobbying.

According to prosecutors, the investigation has been extended to an address in Portugal, with local law enforcement involved in these related searches. Reports suggest ties to Huawei, the Chinese technology firm, with the irregular lobbying activities reportedly spanning from 2021 to the present.

Belgian newspaper Le Soir detailed that the alleged corrupt practices included a variety of inducements, such as compensating political figures, offering extravagant gifts like travel and dining, as well as frequent invitations to high-profile football events. Sources indicate that those detained are believed to be lobbyists for Huawei, implicated in bribing current or former members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to elevate the company's trade agenda.

While a police source informed AFP that none of the detained individuals are MEPs, the investigation remains focused on "active corruption within the European Parliament," as well as examining "forgery and the use of forged documents" within what prosecutors describe as a "criminal organisation." Authorities are also seeking to uncover any potential money laundering tied to these operations.