Belgian Police Raid EU Lobbying Network, Huawei Allegedly At Center Of Corruption Probe

Belgian police raided several locations on Thursday in an investigation into suspected corruption related to lobbying activities within the European Parliament. A number of people were held for questioning on charges such as active corruption, forgery, and possession of forged documents, Belgium’s federal prosecutor’s office said.

Authorities said some 100 officers took part in the operation, during which 21 searches were carried out in Belgium and Portugal. Although officials would not release names, local press reports indicate the probe is focused on Chinese technology giant Huawei and its Brussels lobbying since 2021. Huawei has yet to release a statement about the claims.

The raids follow the “Qatargate” scandal, which exploded over two years ago when some European politicians were accused of taking bribes to advance the interests of Qatar and Morocco—something both countries have denied.

Prosecutors suspect a “criminal organization” of being involved in corruption since 2021, using every form of bribery, including financial reward for political power, expensive gifts like elite travel, and attendance at high-profile sporting events. Investigators suspect these kickbacks were disguised as conference-related expenditures and routed through intermediaries and raised concerns about possible money laundering.

Belgian media reports indicate that the probe focuses on a former parliamentary assistant who previously served as Huawei’s EU public affairs director. Several lobbyists were taken into custody and are expected to appear before a judge for questioning.

A police official informed AFP that none of the people arrested on Thursday were serving EU lawmakers at present. A European Parliament spokesperson, on the other hand, confirmed knowledge of the investigation and assured full cooperation with judicial authorities if necessary.