Belgian prosecutors have charged five individuals in a corruption probe involving Chinese telecom giant Huawei. The investigation centers on allegations that Huawei bribed European Union (EU) lawmakers to advance its commercial interests.
The Belgian Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office announced on Tuesday that four individuals face charges of active corruption and criminal organization, while a fifth suspect has been charged with money laundering. Authorities suspect the scheme aimed to influence EU policies favoring Huawei’s expansion in Europe.
One suspect accused of money laundering has been released under specific conditions, while the other four remain in custody under an arrest warrant as the case unfolds.
Raids Conducted at European Parliament and Huawei Offices
Belgian authorities have intensified their investigation, carrying out searches at key locations, including the European Parliament offices in Brussels.
On March 13, investigators sealed two parliamentary offices belonging to assistants of prominent Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). These included Paolo Campisi and Francesco Vasta, who work for Italian MEP Marco Falcone (European People’s Party), as well as Adam Mouchtar, an assistant to Bulgarian MEP Nikola Minchev (Renew Europe).
In addition to these office raids, law enforcement officers searched Huawei’s Brussels headquarters and 21 private residences across Belgium and Portugal.
Amid growing concerns over security risks, the European Parliament responded swiftly by temporarily banning Huawei lobbyists from its premises. Officials cited precautionary security measures as justification for the restriction, signaling a firm stance against potential foreign interference.
Huawei Denies Wrongdoing as Investigation Expands
The corruption probe escalated after Belgian newspaper Le Soir and other media outlets uncovered potential bribery links between Huawei lobbyists and EU policymakers.
In response, Huawei issued a statement on Thursday, asserting that it is taking the allegations seriously and pledging full cooperation with investigators.
“We are committed to ethical business practices and will work transparently with authorities to clarify the situation,” Huawei stated.
Belgian prosecutors suspect that the corruption scheme dates back to 2021, raising concerns over how deeply Huawei’s lobbying efforts may have influenced European legislative decisions. Authorities are now examining the full extent of the company’s interactions with EU institutions.
Global Scrutiny on Huawei’s European Influence
This case comes amid heightened scrutiny of Huawei’s activities in Europe, where governments have expressed concerns over potential security risks associated with Chinese technology firms. Several EU nations have already imposed restrictions on Huawei’s involvement in 5G infrastructure projects, citing national security threats.
The Belgian investigation adds to the growing list of legal challenges facing the telecom giant. Analysts suggest that a guilty verdict could have significant implications for Huawei’s business strategy in Europe and its standing in global markets.
As legal proceedings continue, EU officials are expected to review lobbying regulations and consider stricter measures to prevent foreign influence in policymaking.
