Belgian prosecutors have opened an investigation into Huawei, the Chinese technology company, over allegations of bribery within the European Parliament. Authorities suspect Huawei used secret lobbying tactics to influence EU decisions in its favor. Since 2021, Huawei officials reportedly offered money, gifts, and event invitations to lawmakers and their staff. Prosecutors say the company hid these actions as normal lobbying while trying to push its political goals in Europe.
On March 13, police carried out 21 raids across Belgium and Portugal. They searched Huawei’s office in Brussels and several offices of parliamentary assistants. Several people were arrested, and police seized documents and electronic devices as evidence. Eight individuals now face charges, including corruption, money laundering, and criminal association. Three suspects remain in jail, three are under house arrest with electronic monitoring, and two were released under certain conditions.
Although names have not been officially released by prosecutors, media sources have identified Valerio Ottati, Huawei’s EU public affairs director, as a key suspect. Ottati, who used to work for several Members of the European Parliament, is believed to have coordinated much of the bribery scheme. Huawei’s top EU envoy, Abraham Liu, has also been linked to the investigation.
Authorities have asked to lift immunity from five Members of the European Parliament to allow legal proceedings. These include three Italian center-right MEPs and two others from Malta and Bulgaria. The offices of assistants to MEPs Marco Falcone and Nikola Minchev have been sealed. Italian police arrested and later released Lucia Simeone, an assistant to one of the suspects.
Prosecutors found a letter from 2021 that supported unrestricted 5G development in Europe. They believe Huawei influenced the letter indirectly. Payments for consulting and campaign costs may have been made to some signers of the letter. However, five of the eight signatories denied receiving any payments linked to Huawei.
Following the investigation, the European Parliament revoked all access rights for Huawei lobbyists. Huawei representatives can no longer enter Parliament buildings in Brussels, Strasbourg, or Luxembourg. The European Commission also froze all communications with Huawei and its affiliates and said they will not meet with any representatives speaking on Huawei’s behalf.
Huawei has acknowledged the accusations and promised to cooperate fully with the investigators. The company emphasized its policy against corruption and stated that it respects all legal rules. Huawei insists that it always follows national and international laws.
This investigation could have significant effects on EU-China relations, especially in telecommunications and 5G technology. It highlights concerns about foreign influence in EU policy-making. The case may lead to stricter rules on lobbying and transparency in the European Union.
