An IMGW News Report
Authorities have raided over 20 locations in Belgium and Portugal as part of a major bribery investigation into Huawei’s lobbying activities within the EU. The Belgian Prosecutor’s Office is probing allegations of corruption, money laundering, and document forgery linked to the Chinese technology giant’s influence within the European Parliament.
The investigation, unfolding in the wake of the Qatargate bribery scandal in late 2022, has intensified scrutiny over Huawei’s connections to the Chinese government and its role in shaping EU policies. Prosecutors suspect that the company’s lobbying efforts included remuneration for adopting political positions, excessive gifts such as food and travel expenses, and invitations to football matches and other events under the guise of commercial engagement.
Parliament and Commission Move to Ban Huawei Lobbyists
In response to the unfolding scandal, the European Parliament and European Commission announced on Friday that Huawei lobbyists would be blacklisted from all official premises.
“As a precautionary measure, Parliament has immediately suspended Huawei representatives’ access,” a spokesperson confirmed. The ban applies to all parliamentary premises in Brussels, Strasbourg, Luxembourg, and its liaison offices across EU member states. According to POLITICO, a European Parliament official stated that the restrictions would remain in place until authorities conclude their investigation.
Similarly, the European Commission has instructed its departments, including the Commissioners’ cabinets and all directorates-general, to suspend all contacts and meetings with Huawei “until further notice,” according to Transparency spokesperson Olof Gill.
Widening Scope of Investigation
On March 14, Belgian prosecutors confirmed that the case involves “preliminary charges of active corruption, forgery of documents, and money laundering” within the European Parliament. Authorities sealed two parliamentary assistants’ offices, including that of Adam Mouchtar, a longtime EU official and aide to MEP Nikola Minchev. Mouchtar, who has denied wrongdoing, was previously linked to EU40, a networking group once chaired by Eva Kaili—a central figure in the Qatargate scandal.
Belgian authorities executed 21 raids across Belgium and Portugal, leading to several arrests. Among the key targets was Huawei’s Brussels office, where police were seen gathering evidence. Prosecutors indicated that Huawei’s alleged activities occurred “regularly and discreetly” since 2021.
Political Reactions and Huawei’s Response
The revelations have ignited calls for stricter anti-corruption measures in the European Parliament. Manon Aubry, co-chair of The Left group, described the allegations as “extremely serious,” while German MEP Daniel Freund criticised the EU’s existing anti-corruption framework as “inadequate” and called for severe consequences.
While Huawei has not issued a response to the latest developments, the company previously stated that it “takes these allegations seriously” and will engage with investigators.
Implications for EU-China Relations and 5G Policy
This corruption probe comes amid ongoing EU concerns about Huawei’s involvement in Europe’s 5G infrastructure. The European Commission has previously raised red flags over national security risks associated with the company’s technology. The scandal is set to intensify scrutiny over foreign influence in EU policymaking, particularly China’s strategic and economic interests in the bloc.
As Belgian authorities prepare for further raids and interrogations, the scandal threatens to deepen tensions between the EU and China, with significant ramifications for Huawei’s role in Europe’s digital infrastructure.
