As part of the investigation into “Money for Influence,” Huawei, the Chinese tech giant, was raided by police at its office in the European Union headquarters in Brussels on Thursday, March 13th. This action is a part of a large-scale operation investigating European Parliament members suspected of corruption. Belgian media and the investigative organization Follow the Money first reported that Huawei was the target of this probe.
According to reports from the Financial Times, an official familiar with the investigation stated that Huawei was the target of the investigation initiated by the Belgian intelligence agency. The Federal Prosecutor’s Office stated on Thursday that over 100 police officers conducted searches at 21 locations and brought several individuals in for questioning, citing their suspected involvement in corrupt activities within the European Parliament.
The prosecutors also mentioned that the individuals under investigation were suspected of engaging in forgery activities and setting up a “criminal organization” under the guise of “commercial lobbying,” activities that trace back as early as 2021. Portugal also carried out related raids.
The alleged criminal activities included payments to EU lawmakers for political statements and “excessive gifting of items such as food, travel expenses, or regular invitations to watch football matches.” These payments were reportedly disguised through conference fees and various intermediary payments to hide their illegal nature or to help criminals evade the consequences of their actions.
The prosecutors stated that the aim of these activities was to influence EU policies in favor of “business interests,” and may also involve money laundering. However, the prosecutors did not specifically mention Huawei by name.
Huawei did not immediately respond to requests for comments on the situation. The prosecutors also did not disclose the identities of those arrested. However, two sources informed the Financial Times that this included some former members of the European Parliament.
A spokesperson for the European Parliament mentioned, “We have received a cooperation request from Belgian authorities to assist in the investigation, and the Parliament will promptly and fully comply with this request.” Parliamentary officials stated that the police did not conduct any raids at their premises and they have not received any requests to cancel any member’s immunity.