Brussels: In a sweeping anti-corruption operation, Belgian police raided multiple locations across the country, detaining several individuals suspected of lobbying for Chinese tech giant Huawei within the European Parliament. The investigation, focusing on corruption, forgery, and potential money laundering, has raised serious concerns about foreign influence in EU policymaking.
The raids, which took place in Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia, are part of an ongoing probe into alleged bribery involving current and former Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). Prosecutors claim that individuals operating “under the guise of commercial lobbying” offered compensation, lavish gifts, and travel perks in exchange for favorable policy decisions.
According to reports, Belgian police conducted 21 searches, while authorities in Portugal and France also carried out related operations, with one arrest confirmed in France.
Huawei Responds to Allegations
Belgian newspaper Le Soir reported that the investigation has been tracking Huawei’s lobbying activities in Brussels since 2021. The company, however, has denied any wrongdoing. A spokesperson for Huawei emphasized its commitment to compliance, stating that it has “a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption” and would cooperate fully with investigators.
The Scope of the Investigation
Authorities are scrutinizing whether lobbying efforts crossed into illegal territory, specifically targeting the manipulation of trade policy within the European Parliament. Belgian prosecutors suggest that influence campaigns may have involved financial incentives, gifts, and exclusive invitations to high-profile events, such as football matches.
Although police sealed two offices within the European Parliament, prosecutors clarified that no sitting MEPs were directly targeted in this phase of the investigation.
Growing Concerns Over Foreign Influence in EU Politics
The case has sparked renewed scrutiny of corporate lobbying practices, particularly those linked to non-EU entities. With rising geopolitical tensions between the West and China, Huawei’s presence in Europe has been under increased examination, especially concerning its involvement in 5G infrastructure and cybersecurity policies.
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This investigation follows similar scandals where foreign lobbying was found to have influenced European political decision-making. The findings could have far-reaching implications for transparency and regulation of lobbying activities within the EU.
Next Steps
Authorities are expected to continue questioning detained individuals and reviewing seized documents to determine the extent of corruption. The case is likely to evolve in the coming weeks as investigators uncover further details about Huawei’s role in the lobbying network and its impact on European policy decisions.
For now, Belgian prosecutors remain tight-lipped on specific charges, but they have confirmed that financial irregularities and attempts to influence EU regulations remain at the heart of the probe.
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