Belgian prosecutors have launched a sweeping corruption investigation into Chinese tech giant Huawei. Authorities suspect that starting in 2021, Huawei paid bribes to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and their aides. The aim was to influence key political decisions in favor of the company’s interests across the European Union. The probe involves 21 raids in Belgium and Portugal, the seizure of digital evidence, and charges against multiple individuals.
Huawei Accused of Buying Political Influence
Investigators believe Huawei used gifts, luxury dinners, paid trips, and sports tickets to gain access to European lawmakers. These perks were allegedly labeled as normal lobbying expenses but, in reality, served as disguised payments.
According to prosecutors, Huawei’s goal was to sway EU policy on telecommunications, especially regarding 5G infrastructure. This influence campaign reportedly began around 2021 and targeted specific lawmakers and their assistants.
Raids, Arrests, and Evidence Seized
On March 13, Belgian and Portuguese authorities carried out coordinated raids. Police searched Huawei’s EU headquarters in Brussels and several offices of parliamentary assistants.
They arrested multiple individuals, seized documents, and took control of digital devices. Prosecutors charged eight people with corruption, money laundering, and membership in a criminal group. Three suspects remain in jail, three are under electronic monitoring, and two were released under strict legal conditions.
Key Figures Under Scrutiny
Although prosecutors did not release official names, media reports identified Valerio Ottati, Huawei’s EU public affairs director, as a key suspect. Ottati previously worked with several MEPs and is believed to have played a central role in managing the alleged bribery network.
Abraham Liu, Huawei’s chief representative to the EU, is also reportedly linked to the investigation. Meanwhile, prosecutors have requested the lifting of parliamentary immunity for five MEPs suspected of involvement:
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Salvatore De Meo (Italy, EPP)
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Giusi Princi (Italy, EPP)
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Fulvio Martusciello (Italy, EPP)
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Daniel Attard (Malta, Socialist)
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Nikola Minchev (Bulgaria, Renew Europe)
European Parliament Offices Sealed
Authorities sealed the offices of assistants to Minchev and another MEP, Marco Falcone. Italian police also arrested Lucia Simeone, an aide to Falcone. She was later released under specific conditions.
Prosecutors highlighted a 2021 letter signed by eight MEPs that promoted open 5G development across Europe. The letter, reportedly drafted in Martusciello’s office, did not mention Huawei directly. However, officials believe it was part of the broader lobbying effort.
Investigators suspect the signatories were compensated through “consulting” or “campaign” funds. All five current MEPs named in the probe deny taking any money and claim they had no financial ties to Huawei.
EU Takes Swift Action
In response to the investigation, the European Parliament suspended all Huawei lobbyists from entering its buildings in Brussels, Strasbourg, and Luxembourg.
The European Commission also suspended all communication with lobbyists and trade groups linked to Huawei. Officials said meetings with Huawei representatives would be frozen until the probe concludes.
Huawei Responds to Allegations
Huawei issued a public statement saying it takes the investigation seriously and will fully cooperate with the authorities. The company reiterated its “zero-tolerance policy” toward corruption and reaffirmed its commitment to legal compliance.
This is not the first time Huawei has faced scrutiny in Europe. The company has previously come under fire for security concerns and ties to the Chinese government. This latest investigation adds to the pressure on Huawei’s operations in the EU.
As the legal case develops, European lawmakers face growing questions about lobbying transparency and foreign influence. The investigation into Huawei’s alleged bribery campaign marks one of the most serious corruption probes involving a major tech firm in the EU.