Belgian authorities have launched a major corruption investigation into Chinese tech giant Huawei’s lobbying activities within the European Parliament, conducting extensive raids on the company’s offices and lobbyists’ homes this week. The probe centers on allegations of bribery and document forgery dating back to 2021.
The Belgian Federal Prosecutor’s Office coordinated searches across 21 locations in Belgium and Portugal, deploying over 100 police officers in an operation that began after receiving intelligence from Belgian security services. Investigators seized numerous documents and electronic devices as evidence in the ongoing investigation.
At the heart of the probe are accusations that Huawei lobbyists provided MEPs with inappropriate gifts, including luxury travel and sports tickets, in exchange for favorable policy positions. Approximately 15 current and former MEPs are reportedly under investigation for their potential involvement in these activities.
This investigation comes at a particularly challenging time for Huawei, which has already faced significant scrutiny in Europe. The company has previously drawn criticism for its involvement in controversial biometric surveillance technologies and its relationship with the Chinese government.
Daniel Freund, a Green party MEP, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating: “We need a complete investigation quickly and finally reforms that will make the Parliament more resistant to corruption.” The European Parliament has pledged full cooperation with Belgian authorities, though prosecuting current MEPs would require their parliamentary immunity to be waived.
The investigation has particular significance given the European Parliament’s recent involvement in technology regulation efforts and its ongoing scrutiny of foreign tech companies. The European Commission has previously warned that Huawei poses “materially higher risks than other 5G suppliers” and has encouraged member states to implement restrictions on the company’s operations.
Manon Aubry, co-chair for The Left, criticized the Parliament’s previous inaction on corruption risks, noting that “despite repeated warnings from the Left that the EU Parliament is in danger of falling into yet another corruption scandal, almost nothing has been done to prevent it.”
The case bears similarities to the recent Qatargate scandal, with Transparency International’s Brussels director describing the new allegations as “extensive and grave,” warning that they threaten to undermine democratic integrity within the European Parliament.
Sources: The Shift News, Euronews, South China Morning Post
—
March 14, 2025 – by Cass Kennedy
