Huawei Faces Corruption Investigation Involving European Parliament
A Belgium-based probe into alleged bribery and unethical lobbying practices ties Huawei to active corruption claims within the EU's legislative body.
BRUSSELS — The European Parliament is currently embroiled in a corruption investigation involving the Chinese technology company Huawei.
The inquiry, led by Belgium's federal prosecutor's office, focuses on allegations of "active corruption within the European Parliament" that purportedly benefitted Huawei.
This latest development follows the earlier Qatargate scandal, which raised significant concerns regarding lobbying practices within the EU institutions.
Initial reports from Dutch investigative outlets and various Belgian sources indicate that authorities are examining allegations of misappropriated compensation for political positions, as well as excessive gifts, including travel and hospitality expenses, aimed at influencing political decision-making.
Belgian prosecutors have stated that these activities allegedly occurred discreetly from 2021 to the present.
In response to the investigation, police conducted raids at 21 locations in Brussels, Flanders, Wallonia, and Portugal, leading to several arrests.
Investigators are scrutinizing the actions of 15 current and former Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), with a senior Huawei lobbyist in Brussels identified as a key suspect.
Reports indicate that during the searches, police officers retrieved documents and materials from Huawei's lobbying office in Brussels.
Huawei has expressed a commitment to cooperate with the investigation, emphasizing its zero-tolerance policy for corruption.
A spokesperson for the company stated that they take the allegations seriously and are seeking to understand the situation better.
The prosecutorial investigation has prompted the sealing of offices within the European Parliament linked to two parliamentary assistants.
This includes significant offices within the Italian delegation of the European People's Party and the Bulgarian delegation associated with Nikola Minchev.
The sealed offices reflect the scope of the inquiry, with some MEPs publicly denying any wrongdoing associated with Huawei.
Historically, Huawei has been a formidable player in EU lobbying efforts, with substantial financial contributions directed towards lobbyists and public relations campaigns.
However, following geopolitical tensions and increased scrutiny over the potential security risks of its 5G technology, Huawei's influence in Brussels has diminished.
In response to renewed scrutiny, the European Commission announced measures in 2023 to prevent Huawei from accessing EU research funding and from working with operators utilizing Chinese technology.
In terms of lobbying expenditure, Huawei allocated between €2 million and €2.25 million to EU lobbying activities in recent years, well below its previous levels.
According to data from the EU transparency register, the company had 11 full-time lobbyists in Brussels, down from a high of 21.
The current investigation is not Huawei's first encounter with legal scrutiny.
The company has faced various allegations of impropriety in different countries, including a past incident in France involving a former minister and MEP. The Parliament President, Roberta Metsola, had previously indicated concern regarding Huawei's influence within EU institutions, responding to warnings about the possible expansion of Chinese influence in Europe, particularly in light of the precedents set by the Qatargate scandal, which involved allegations of corruption and illicit lobbying practices.
As the investigation unfolds, both the European Parliament and Commission have issued bans on Huawei lobbyists from entering their respective premises, endorsing immediate suspension of meetings and interactions with the company.
This decision, driven by recent developments, has revived discussions regarding transparency and accountability within EU institutions, prompting some parliamentarians to advocate for further ethical reforms.
The inquiry, led by Belgium's federal prosecutor's office, focuses on allegations of "active corruption within the European Parliament" that purportedly benefitted Huawei.
This latest development follows the earlier Qatargate scandal, which raised significant concerns regarding lobbying practices within the EU institutions.
Initial reports from Dutch investigative outlets and various Belgian sources indicate that authorities are examining allegations of misappropriated compensation for political positions, as well as excessive gifts, including travel and hospitality expenses, aimed at influencing political decision-making.
Belgian prosecutors have stated that these activities allegedly occurred discreetly from 2021 to the present.
In response to the investigation, police conducted raids at 21 locations in Brussels, Flanders, Wallonia, and Portugal, leading to several arrests.
Investigators are scrutinizing the actions of 15 current and former Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), with a senior Huawei lobbyist in Brussels identified as a key suspect.
Reports indicate that during the searches, police officers retrieved documents and materials from Huawei's lobbying office in Brussels.
Huawei has expressed a commitment to cooperate with the investigation, emphasizing its zero-tolerance policy for corruption.
A spokesperson for the company stated that they take the allegations seriously and are seeking to understand the situation better.
The prosecutorial investigation has prompted the sealing of offices within the European Parliament linked to two parliamentary assistants.
This includes significant offices within the Italian delegation of the European People's Party and the Bulgarian delegation associated with Nikola Minchev.
The sealed offices reflect the scope of the inquiry, with some MEPs publicly denying any wrongdoing associated with Huawei.
Historically, Huawei has been a formidable player in EU lobbying efforts, with substantial financial contributions directed towards lobbyists and public relations campaigns.
However, following geopolitical tensions and increased scrutiny over the potential security risks of its 5G technology, Huawei's influence in Brussels has diminished.
In response to renewed scrutiny, the European Commission announced measures in 2023 to prevent Huawei from accessing EU research funding and from working with operators utilizing Chinese technology.
In terms of lobbying expenditure, Huawei allocated between €2 million and €2.25 million to EU lobbying activities in recent years, well below its previous levels.
According to data from the EU transparency register, the company had 11 full-time lobbyists in Brussels, down from a high of 21.
The current investigation is not Huawei's first encounter with legal scrutiny.
The company has faced various allegations of impropriety in different countries, including a past incident in France involving a former minister and MEP. The Parliament President, Roberta Metsola, had previously indicated concern regarding Huawei's influence within EU institutions, responding to warnings about the possible expansion of Chinese influence in Europe, particularly in light of the precedents set by the Qatargate scandal, which involved allegations of corruption and illicit lobbying practices.
As the investigation unfolds, both the European Parliament and Commission have issued bans on Huawei lobbyists from entering their respective premises, endorsing immediate suspension of meetings and interactions with the company.
This decision, driven by recent developments, has revived discussions regarding transparency and accountability within EU institutions, prompting some parliamentarians to advocate for further ethical reforms.
