Belgian Authorities Conduct Raids on Huawei Offices in Corruption Investigation
The investigation into alleged corruption within the European Parliament has led to significant actions against the Chinese tech giant Huawei, with multiple locations raided in Belgium and Portugal. The authorities are examining serious accusations that could have widespread implications for EU decision-making processes.
Belgium's police force executed a series of searches at Huawei's headquarters in Brussels, alongside raids at 20 other sites across the Belgian regions of Flanders and Wallonia, and in Portugal. These operations have resulted in several arrests, as confirmed by officials from the Belgian Prosecutor's Office.
A spokesperson for the Prosecutor's Office revealed that the ongoing investigation focuses on preliminary allegations of active corruption, document forgery, and money laundering linked to the European Parliament. There are suspicions that the alleged corrupt activities have financially benefitted Huawei.
European Parliament in Strasbourg, France
This inquiry involves accusations that lobbyists working for Huawei have bribed members of the European Parliament in a bid to sway EU policy in favor of the tech firm. As part of the judicial process, a request has been made to seal the Parliament offices of two assistants believed to be involved.
The investigative efforts were initially reported by the outlet Follow the Money, along with two Belgian newspapers, Le Soir and Knack. One of the key individuals implicated is Valerio Ottati, who is a 41-year-old director at Huawei overseeing EU Public Affairs and a former aide to two Italian Members of the European Parliament associated with a committee on China policy.
Huawei office in Brussels, Belgium
According to anonymous sources, Ottati's appointment was based on his connections within the political landscape rather than any technological expertise.
In response to the unfolding situation, the European Commission has refrained from commenting on the ongoing investigation. However, spokesperson Thomas Regnier highlighted the organization's security concerns regarding Huawei's involvement in Europe's 5G telecommunications infrastructure, asserting that "Huawei represents materially higher risks than other 5G suppliers" and urging EU nations to consider restrictions or exclusions for Huawei in their 5G networks.
