An investigation into corruption in the European Parliament has led to four suspects being placed under arrest warrant, according to a press release from the federal prosecutor.
De Standaard – On Friday 9 November, a total of six suspects were detained by federal police, being accused of membership of a criminal organisation, money laundering, and corruption. Two of the six were released, whilst the other four remain in custody.
A statement from the federal prosecutor’s office alleges that the arrested individuals were involved with the dealings of “third parties with a political and/or strategic position within the European Parliament” who have been “paying large sums of money or offering substantial gifts to influence the decisions of the Parliament”.
The arrests were followed by the second search of the home of a second member of parliament that took place at 8pm on Saturday 10 December. According to reports in Knack and Le Soir, the MEP involved is Belgian Marc Tarabella. However, the federal prosecutor’s office has not confirmed the name of the person involved.
The investigation relating to corruption in the European Parliament focused on the bribery of MPs by a Persian Gulf state. According to sources close to the investigation, this state is thought to be Qatar, where the World Cup is currently taking place. Another suspect is Greek MEP Eva Kaili, who was suspended as vice-president of the European Parliament by Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, on Saturday. Kaili had called Qatar “a forerunner in labour rights” at the end of November, following a meeting with Qatar’s minister of labour.
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