The halls of the European Parliament are once again echoing with the revelations of a corruption scandal, this time with ties to the Chinese tech giant Huawei. Law enforcement agencies have conducted significant raids in Belgium and Portugal, uncovering allegations of bribery, forgery, money laundering, and organized crime.
This scandal emerges as the shadow of the ‘Qatargate’ affair lingers, revealing persistent concerns about foreign influence within the EU’s corridors of power. The ongoing Qatargate saga involves accusations against Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who allegedly accepted money and gifts from Qatar, Morocco, and Mauritania to sway legislation.
Key figures in the Qatargate scandal include socialist lawmakers, notably the Greek European Parliament Vice President Eva Kaili.
Initial raids regarding the Huawei scandal took place two weeks ago at its EU headquarters in Brussels and homes of lobbyists in Belgium and Portugal, following a tip-off from Belgian intelligence.
Former Dutch MEP Rob Roos didn’t hold back his cynicism, stating: “Another corruption scandal in the European Parliament—just another day in politics. Will this be another #Qatargate, brushed aside to protect the elites, or will someone finally be held accountable?”
Another corruption scandal in the European Parliament—just another day in politics.
Will this be another #Qatargate, brushed aside to protect the elites, or will someone finally be held accountable?
— Rob Roos (@Rob_Roos)
March 13, 2025
Valerio Otati, a Belgian-Italian lobbyist and Huawei’s EU Public Affairs Director, is among those implicated. He joined Huawei in 2019, having previously worked with Italian MEPs on China policy.
A subsequent sweep occurred last week, focusing on offices within the European Parliament. Four individuals now face charges, linked to an alleged influence scheme orchestrated by Huawei.
Polish MEP Dominik Tarczyński emphasized the scandal’s scope: “Another corruption scandal in the European Parliament! 15 former and current MPs under investigation. This morning, after searches, the first suspects were arrested!”
KOLEJNY skandal korupcyjny w Parlamencie Europejskim!
15 byłych i obecnych posłów objętych śledztwem. Dziś rano po przeszukaniach rano aresztowano pierwszych podejrzanych!
— Dominik Tarczyński MEP (@D_Tarczynski)
March 13, 2025
The investigation zeroes in on bribery and forgery, raising alarms about Beijing’s growing influence. Belgium’s Federal Prosecutor highlights tactics including financial incentives for political support and lavish gifts.
The crackdown spans borders, with arrests reported in Belgium, France, and Italy. In Italy, authorities detained Lucia Simeone, linked to MEP Fulvio Martusciello.
Huawei is accused of bribing 15 MEPs across political lines, aiming to influence legislative decisions within the EU. The company’s deep-rooted ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) have long been a point of contention in Europe and the United States.
Despite warnings from the U.S. about Huawei’s security risks, European leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and former EU Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan have taken softer stances.
Huawei stands firm in its defense, asserting a “zero-tolerance policy toward corruption” while pledging cooperation with investigators. Yet skepticism remains strong, given its controversial history, including involvement in Malta’s surveillance projects.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has attempted to mitigate perceptions of institutional compromise, asserting that the actions of a few should not tarnish the broader body’s integrity.
