This is a developing story by IMGW News.
Authorities raided over 20 locations across Brussels, Flanders, Wallonia, and Portugal on March 13, 2025, as part of an expanding bribery probe into Huawei’s lobbying practices in Europe. The Belgian Prosecutor’s office is investigating alleged charges of corruption, money laundering, and document forgery linked to Huawei’s activities in the European Parliament.
The investigation follows closely on the heels of the Qatargate scandal, which broke in late 2022, exposing attempts by foreign states to influence EU decisions through bribery. This new probe centres on Huawei, which has faced growing scrutiny over its connections to the Chinese government and its role in EU politics.
Among those implicated, two offices in the European Parliament were sealed, including that of Adam Mouchtar, a long-time official and assistant to newly elected MEP Nikola Minchev. Mouchtar was also involved with EU40, a group previously chaired by Eva Kaili, a key figure in the Qatargate investigation. Mouchtar has denied any wrongdoing.
Investigators have reportedly identified around 15 former and current MEPs as ‘persons of interest’. Huawei’s Brussels office has also been raided, with police seen on-site. The Belgian prosecutor’s office stated the alleged activities took place ‘regularly and discreetly’ since 2021, under the guise of commercial lobbying, including the provision of excessive gifts and invitations to political events aimed at promoting Huawei’s interests.
The case has drawn sharp reactions from within the European Parliament, with calls for swift action. Manon Aubry, co-chair of The Left group, described the allegations as “extremely serious,” while German MEP Daniel Freund stressed that corruption prevention within the EU has been “inadequate” and called for severe punishment.
As the investigation continues, Huawei has yet to comment on the allegations. Meanwhile, the European Commission’s ongoing concerns about Huawei’s involvement in Europe’s 5G infrastructure remain a critical issue in the debate over foreign influence in EU politics.
