BRUSSELS — The European Union is facing a significant turmoil following a corruption scandal involving the Chinese tech giant Huawei and the European Parliament. Investigators are currently examining claims of “active corruption within the European Parliament,” as confirmed by Belgium’s federal prosecutor’s office. The allegations suggest that “the alleged bribery is said to have benefited Huawei,” raising serious concerns about lobbying practices in Brussels, especially given the backdrop of the 2022 Qatargate scandal that resulted in multiple arrests among legislators.
Understanding the allegations against Huawei
The ongoing investigation targets Huawei, a major player in lobbying throughout Europe, alongside members of the Parliament. Prosecutors are probing incidents involving “remuneration for taking political positions, excessive gifts such as food and travel expenses, and regular invitations to football matches,” all purportedly aimed at advancing private commercial interests concerning political decisions. The alleged misconduct reportedly occurred discreetly and regularly from 2021 to the present day.
Law enforcement has executed raids at 21 locations across Brussels, Flanders, Wallonia, and Portugal, leading to several arrests. Reports indicate that investigators are scrutinizing activities linked to 15 current and former Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), with a senior lobbyist for Huawei in Brussels identified as a key suspect. Witnesses reported seeing police entering Huawei’s primary lobbying office in Brussels, where they later removed four boxes filled with documents and other materials.
Reactions from Huawei and Parliament
In response to the unfolding situation, Huawei has expressed its commitment to transparency. A spokesperson stated, “Huawei takes these allegations seriously and will urgently communicate with the investigation to further understand the situation. Huawei has a zero tolerance policy towards corruption or other wrongdoing, and we are committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations at all times.”
On Thursday afternoon, the prosecutor’s office requested that seals be placed on the offices of two parliamentary assistants implicated in the scandal. One office, linked to the Italian delegation within the European People’s Party (EPP), was marked and sealed, while another associated with the Bulgarian delegation was identified as belonging to Adam Mouchtar, a longstanding official and assistant to newly elected MEP Nikola Minchev. Mouchtar confirmed the sealing of his office but denied any involvement in wrongdoing. His supervisor announced the suspension of Mouchtar from his duties.
The sealed offices were not typically marked, which has led to speculation about their occupants. Italian MEP Fulvio Martusciello asserted that the office sealed was not his, yet he did not disclose further information regarding its occupants. Meanwhile, MEP Marco Falcone maintained that neither of his assistants was implicated, emphasizing no prior connections with Huawei.
Historically, Huawei has engaged in extensive lobbying efforts in Europe, spending millions on campaigns and events aimed at establishing rapport with political figures. However, the company’s influence has waned in recent years due to escalating security concerns surrounding its 5G technology and the rising caution among European governments.
As the investigation unfolds, both the European Parliament and the European Commission have opted to bar Huawei lobbyists from their premises, with the Parliament’s ban extending to all locations across the EU. This action reflects a growing urgency within the institutions to prevent any further erosion of integrity amidst ongoing issues surrounding transparency and ethical governance.
Calls for reform are gaining momentum, with lawmakers emphasizing the necessity for enhanced oversight and accountability to safeguard the Parliament’s integrity. The recent events underscore a critical turning point in the EU’s fight against corruption, particularly in the wake of the Qatargate scandal.