Belgian prosecutors have charged five individuals in a corruption case involving Chinese tech company Huawei. Authorities suspect that the company attempted to bribe European lawmakers to shape policy decisions in its favor.
The Belgian Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed on Tuesday that four individuals are facing charges of active corruption and participation in a criminal organization. A fifth person has been charged with money laundering.
Four of the accused remain in custody, while the person facing money laundering charges has been released under specific conditions. Officials have not yet disclosed the names of the suspects.
Police Expand Investigation with More Raids
Authorities intensified their probe on Monday by searching additional offices inside the European Parliament in Brussels. These latest searches follow an earlier operation on March 13, when investigators sealed two offices connected to key EU political figures.
One office belonged to assistants of Marco Falcone, an Italian lawmaker from the European People’s Party (EPP). The individuals involved were identified as Paolo Campisi and Francesco Vasta. Another office linked to Adam Mouchtar, an assistant to Bulgarian politician Nikola Minchev of Renew Europe, was also sealed.
Belgian authorities had previously conducted raids at Huawei’s Brussels headquarters. In addition, searches took place at 21 different locations, including residences in Brussels, Flanders, Wallonia, and Portugal. Prosecutors believe these searches may uncover more evidence related to the corruption case.
Huawei Lobbyists Barred from EU Parliament
A day after the March 13 raids, the European Parliament took precautionary action by banning Huawei’s lobbyists from entering its premises. Officials called the move a temporary security measure while investigations continue.
The scandal emerged following an investigation by Le Soir and other media outlets. Reports suggested that Huawei lobbyists had bribed European lawmakers to secure support for the company’s business interests in Europe.
Huawei has denied any wrongdoing. In a statement issued on Thursday, the company said it takes these allegations seriously and is committed to cooperating with investigators.
Corruption Allegations Date Back to 2021
Belgian prosecutors suspect that the corruption activities began in 2021. However, further investigation could reveal additional details or expand the timeline of alleged wrongdoing.
The case is particularly significant as it comes at a time when European governments are reassessing their reliance on Chinese technology firms. Huawei has long faced scrutiny over security concerns, with several European countries restricting the company’s role in critical infrastructure projects.
The European Union has also been tightening its oversight of lobbying activities, aiming to prevent foreign influence over policy decisions. This case could prompt even stricter regulations on corporate lobbying in the EU.
Growing Tensions Between China and the EU
The Huawei scandal could worsen diplomatic relations between China and the European Union. In recent years, EU officials have expressed concerns over China’s influence in European politics and business. Several European governments have taken steps to reduce their dependence on Chinese technology, particularly in the telecommunications sector.
In 2020, the EU introduced new guidelines to limit the role of “high-risk vendors” in its 5G networks. These measures specifically targeted Huawei and other Chinese companies over fears of potential security threats.
With this latest corruption case, pressure may grow on EU officials to impose further restrictions on Huawei’s operations in Europe.
The Belgian investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming weeks. Prosecutors will continue gathering evidence and questioning suspects to determine the full extent of the corruption scheme.
Meanwhile, European lawmakers will likely face increased scrutiny over their dealings with foreign companies. This case could lead to stricter rules on transparency and lobbying in the EU.
For now, Huawei remains under investigation, and its future in the European market remains uncertain.