'Huawei lobbyists' held in raids in Belgium over EU corruption

Belgian police recently conducted raids on multiple locations in the country as part of an investigation into alleged corruption within the European Parliament. Prosecutors stated that the suspected corruption was carried out "in the name of commercial lobbying," and several individuals have been detained for questioning.

According to official sources, Portuguese police also searched an address, and in France, one person was arrested. The Belgian newspaper Le Soir reported that the investigation is related to the Chinese tech giant Huawei and its activities in Brussels since 2021. Huawei stated that they take the allegations "seriously" and will "urgently communicate with the investigating authorities."

The Belgian prosecutor's office stated: "It is alleged that, since 2021, acts of corruption have been committed frequently and very discreetly, in the name of commercial lobbying, taking various forms, such as compensation for political positions or excessive gifts, such as food and travel expenses, or regular invitations to watch football matches." A Huawei spokesperson said in a statement to the BBC that the company has "zero tolerance" for corruption or other improper conduct and is committed to always complying with all applicable laws and regulations.

Le Soir reported that several lobbyists suspected of working for Huawei were detained on suspicion of bribing current or former Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to promote the company's trade policies. Belgian police sealed off two offices inside the European Parliament at the request of the judge in charge of the case.

A spokesperson for the prosecutor's office told the BBC that Thursday's raids were not directly targeting any Members of the European Parliament. The prosecutor's office told Le Soir that a total of 21 searches were carried out in Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia. The focus of the investigation is on "active corruption within the European Parliament" as well as "forgery and use of forged documents," all within the framework of a "criminal organization," the prosecutor's office added, noting they are also looking for possible money laundering activities.