Bribery Investigation Targets Huawei's Lobbying Activities in the EU
Extensive raids and the sealing of offices in the European Parliament signal a deepening inquiry into alleged corruption linked to the Chinese technology giant.
Authorities conducted raids across multiple locations, including over 20 addresses in Belgium and Portugal, as part of a burgeoning investigation into alleged bribery by Huawei, the Chinese technology firm, regarding its lobbying efforts in Europe.
Belgian prosecutors confirmed that the investigation is focusing on preliminary charges of active corruption, forgery, and money laundering within the European Parliament.
The spokesperson for the Belgian Prosecutor's office stated that the alleged corrupt practices had supposedly benefited Huawei and played out through various lobbying tactics from 2021 to the present.
Among the premises sealed were two offices within the European Parliament, which were confirmed to be linked to Adam Mouchtar and assistants for MEPs Fulvio Martusciello and Marco Falcone.
The involvement of Mouchtar has raised eyebrows due to his previous connections with EU40, a group co-founded by key figures implicated in the earlier Qatargate scandal.
While Mouchtar has acknowledged the sealing of his office, he denied any wrongdoing.
The ongoing investigation follows heightened scrutiny of foreign influence within EU institutions, particularly after the Qatargate scandal surfaced in late 2022. This earlier investigation highlighted allegations of corruption involving foreign officials attempting to sway EU decision-making through gifts and bribes.
Reports indicated that around 15 former and current Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are under investigation as part of the present inquiry.
Previous activities under scrutiny include alleged excessive gifts, remuneration for political support, and invitations to sporting events, which were purportedly intended to promote private commercial interests in political decision-making.
Witnesses have described a significant police presence at Huawei's primary EU lobbying office in Brussels, where officials reportedly removed several boxes containing documents relevant to the investigation.
The alleged infractions are believed to have been orchestrated under the guise of commercial lobbying.
Belgian intelligence has reportedly been monitoring Huawei's lobbying methods, focusing on potential connections to the Chinese government's objectives.
Security agencies have expressed concerns over the influence that non-state actors, including lobbyists associated with Huawei, may have on the European political landscape.
In response to the accusations, a spokesperson for Huawei stated that the company treats these serious allegations with utmost importance and will cooperate with investigators to clarify the situation.
The firm's commitment to a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption was reiterated.
As this investigation intensifies, it has sparked reaction within the European Parliament, where members are currently convening for a plenary session.
Some parliamentarians have voiced the need for a strong response to uphold the credibility of the institution while addressing the implications of alleged corruption on democratic processes.
The European Parliament has acknowledged a request for cooperation from Belgian authorities to assist in the ongoing investigation.
Belgian prosecutors confirmed that the investigation is focusing on preliminary charges of active corruption, forgery, and money laundering within the European Parliament.
The spokesperson for the Belgian Prosecutor's office stated that the alleged corrupt practices had supposedly benefited Huawei and played out through various lobbying tactics from 2021 to the present.
Among the premises sealed were two offices within the European Parliament, which were confirmed to be linked to Adam Mouchtar and assistants for MEPs Fulvio Martusciello and Marco Falcone.
The involvement of Mouchtar has raised eyebrows due to his previous connections with EU40, a group co-founded by key figures implicated in the earlier Qatargate scandal.
While Mouchtar has acknowledged the sealing of his office, he denied any wrongdoing.
The ongoing investigation follows heightened scrutiny of foreign influence within EU institutions, particularly after the Qatargate scandal surfaced in late 2022. This earlier investigation highlighted allegations of corruption involving foreign officials attempting to sway EU decision-making through gifts and bribes.
Reports indicated that around 15 former and current Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are under investigation as part of the present inquiry.
Previous activities under scrutiny include alleged excessive gifts, remuneration for political support, and invitations to sporting events, which were purportedly intended to promote private commercial interests in political decision-making.
Witnesses have described a significant police presence at Huawei's primary EU lobbying office in Brussels, where officials reportedly removed several boxes containing documents relevant to the investigation.
The alleged infractions are believed to have been orchestrated under the guise of commercial lobbying.
Belgian intelligence has reportedly been monitoring Huawei's lobbying methods, focusing on potential connections to the Chinese government's objectives.
Security agencies have expressed concerns over the influence that non-state actors, including lobbyists associated with Huawei, may have on the European political landscape.
In response to the accusations, a spokesperson for Huawei stated that the company treats these serious allegations with utmost importance and will cooperate with investigators to clarify the situation.
The firm's commitment to a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption was reiterated.
As this investigation intensifies, it has sparked reaction within the European Parliament, where members are currently convening for a plenary session.
Some parliamentarians have voiced the need for a strong response to uphold the credibility of the institution while addressing the implications of alleged corruption on democratic processes.
The European Parliament has acknowledged a request for cooperation from Belgian authorities to assist in the ongoing investigation.
Translation:
Translated by AI
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