Belgian Prosecutors Investigate MEPs Over Alleged Huawei Bribery
European Parliament faces scrutiny as Belgian authorities seek to lift immunity from several members amid rising concerns over influence-peddling by the Chinese telecom giant.
Belgian prosecutors have formally requested the European Parliament to lift the immunity of several Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) as part of a growing investigation into allegations of bribery involving Huawei Technologies.
Authorities are examining claims that the Chinese telecom giant engaged in corrupt practices, allegedly providing luxurious gifts, football tickets, and other incentives to secure influence in Brussels.
This investigation further exacerbates the challenges facing the European Parliament, which is already under scrutiny following the so-called 'Qatargate' bribery scandal that emerged in late 2022.
All implicated politicians, alongside Huawei, have publicly denied any wrongdoing.
EPP lawmaker Salvatore De Meo confirmed his involvement and stated that the inquiry pertains to a social event he attended, which was not organized by Huawei but where the company’s representatives were present.
De Meo emphasized that he has not advocated for Huawei’s interests through legislative actions or formal communications.
Among the politicians named in the ongoing probes, MEPs Daniel Attard from Malta and Nikola Minchev from Bulgaria have also acknowledged their involvement.
Attard revealed that Belgian prosecutors are questioning him about his attendance at a Europa League match in Brussels last September, where he used tickets provided by Huawei's corporate sponsors.
He asserted his ignorance of the tickets' origin at the time and firmly rejected any implications of misconduct.
Minchev related his case to his former assistant Adam Mouchtar, whose office faced police intervention in March.
He expressed confidence that he would not face charges, noting that the inquiry connected to his attendance at a football game similarly involved individuals already under investigation.
Reports indicate that additional MEPs may also be subjected to requests for immunity waivers as the Belgian authorities expand their investigation scope.
This situation emphasizes the ongoing concerns regarding ethical standards within the European Parliament and the challenges of maintaining integrity in the legislative process amid allegations of widespread influence by foreign entities.
Authorities are examining claims that the Chinese telecom giant engaged in corrupt practices, allegedly providing luxurious gifts, football tickets, and other incentives to secure influence in Brussels.
This investigation further exacerbates the challenges facing the European Parliament, which is already under scrutiny following the so-called 'Qatargate' bribery scandal that emerged in late 2022.
All implicated politicians, alongside Huawei, have publicly denied any wrongdoing.
EPP lawmaker Salvatore De Meo confirmed his involvement and stated that the inquiry pertains to a social event he attended, which was not organized by Huawei but where the company’s representatives were present.
De Meo emphasized that he has not advocated for Huawei’s interests through legislative actions or formal communications.
Among the politicians named in the ongoing probes, MEPs Daniel Attard from Malta and Nikola Minchev from Bulgaria have also acknowledged their involvement.
Attard revealed that Belgian prosecutors are questioning him about his attendance at a Europa League match in Brussels last September, where he used tickets provided by Huawei's corporate sponsors.
He asserted his ignorance of the tickets' origin at the time and firmly rejected any implications of misconduct.
Minchev related his case to his former assistant Adam Mouchtar, whose office faced police intervention in March.
He expressed confidence that he would not face charges, noting that the inquiry connected to his attendance at a football game similarly involved individuals already under investigation.
Reports indicate that additional MEPs may also be subjected to requests for immunity waivers as the Belgian authorities expand their investigation scope.
This situation emphasizes the ongoing concerns regarding ethical standards within the European Parliament and the challenges of maintaining integrity in the legislative process amid allegations of widespread influence by foreign entities.
