Belgian prosecutors have launched a large corruption investigation into the European Parliament and Chinese technology company Huawei. The case centers on allegations that Huawei secretly influenced lawmakers through bribery and hidden lobbying efforts beginning in 2021.
Authorities believe Huawei representatives gave expensive gifts, paid for luxury trips, and provided access to football matches to several Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and their assistants. These actions were allegedly meant to win political support for the tech company. Prosecutors say Huawei disguised these payments as routine lobbying activities.
On March 13, Belgian police carried out coordinated raids at 21 locations across Belgium and Portugal. Among the places searched were Huawei’s offices in Brussels and the workspaces of parliamentary staff. Investigators arrested several people and collected documents and electronic devices as evidence.
Eight individuals have now been charged with serious crimes, including corruption, money laundering, and being part of a criminal organization. Three suspects remain in jail. Three others are under electronic surveillance, and two have been conditionally released while investigations continue.
Although prosecutors have not named all suspects, media reports have identified key figures in the scandal. Valerio Ottati, a Belgian-Italian lobbyist, is suspected of playing a major role. He allegedly led Huawei’s lobbying efforts in the EU and worked closely with several MEPs. Reports also mention Huawei’s EU representative Abraham Liu as being potentially involved in the scheme.
Five MEPs may lose their parliamentary immunity due to the investigation. Three of them are members of the European People’s Party from Italy: Salvatore De Meo, Giusi Princi, and Fulvio Martusciello. The other two are Daniel Attard, a Socialist MEP from Malta, and Nikola Minchev from Bulgaria, a member of Renew Europe. Police also sealed the offices of assistants connected to MEPs Falcone and Minchev during their search. Italian aide Lucia Simeone was arrested but later released under conditions.
Investigators believe the bribery may be linked to a 2021 letter signed by eight MEPs in support of 5G technology. Although the letter did not name Huawei directly, it reportedly supported the company’s goals. Martusciello’s office helped circulate the letter. Authorities suspect that some of the signers may have received payments through fake consultancy work or hidden campaign donations.
In reaction to the growing scandal, the European Parliament has banned all Huawei lobbyists from entering any of its buildings in Brussels, Strasbourg, and Luxembourg. The European Commission has also cut ties with Huawei and organizations that represent the company’s interests. Officials said they will no longer hold meetings with Huawei-related groups.
Huawei has responded by saying it is taking the investigation seriously and is cooperating fully with Belgian authorities. The company stated that it follows all laws and has a strict policy against corruption.
This scandal raises serious questions about foreign influence in European politics. It also increases concern about Huawei’s role in building 5G infrastructure across Europe.
The investigation is still active, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming weeks. Authorities are continuing to analyze the materials they have collected. There could be further arrests or charges as the case moves forward.