Belgian prosecutors have charged five individuals in a corruption case linked to Chinese telecom giant Huawei. Authorities believe the company bribed EU lawmakers to influence commercial policies in Europe.
Charges and Arrests
The Belgian Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed on Tuesday that four people face charges of active corruption and criminal organization. A fifth person faces a money laundering charge. The individual accused of money laundering was released under conditions, while the other four remain in custody under arrest warrants.
Police Search European Parliament and Huawei Offices
Authorities expanded their investigation with fresh searches on Monday at the European Parliament’s Brussels offices. Earlier, on March 13, police had sealed off two parliamentary offices. One belonged to Marco Falcone’s (Italy/EPP) assistants, Paolo Campisi and Francesco Vasta, while the other was linked to Adam Mouchtar, assistant to Nikola Minchev (Bulgaria/Renew Europe).
Belgian police also searched Huawei’s Brussels headquarters and raided 21 homes across Brussels, Flanders, Wallonia, and Portugal.
On March 14, the European Parliament temporarily banned Huawei lobbyists from entering its premises. Officials described the ban as a precautionary measure due to security concerns.
Huawei’s Response and Ongoing Investigation
An investigation by Le Soir and other media outlets revealed that Huawei lobbyists allegedly bribed current and former European Parliament members to boost the company’s business interests in Europe.
Belgian prosecutors believe these corrupt activities began in 2021. Huawei responded to the allegations on Thursday, stating that it takes the matter seriously and will urgently cooperate with investigators.
Foreign Influence Under Scrutiny
As the case continues, European authorities are closely examining foreign influence within EU institutions. This investigation could have significant implications for Huawei’s business operations and lobbying efforts in Europe.