Belgium requests lifting of MEP immunity in alleged corruption case
Belgian authorities have formally requested the European Parliament to revoke the immunity of several MEPs in connection with an investigation into alleged corruption and influence peddling associated with the Chinese technology company Huawei.
The request pertains to five parliamentarians: three affiliated with the European People's Party (EPP), one representing the Socialists & Democrats (S&D), and one from Renew Europe.
A probe into the allegations commenced two months ago following searches carried out in the offices of the European Parliament.
The Belgian Prosecutor's Office has filed charges against eight individuals, alleging suspicions of money laundering, involvement in an organised criminal enterprise, and active corruption.
The accusations against the MEPs pertain to their alleged involvement in corrupt practices in return for lobbying efforts on behalf of Huawei and endorsing legislation advantageous to the company.
While the complete list of MEPs involved in the investigation has yet to be released, a number of parliamentarians came forward and confirmed that a request to revoke their immunity was filed.
Italian lawmaker Salvatore de Meo (EPP), Maltese MEP Daniel Attard (S&D) and Bulgarian parliamentarian Nikola Minchev (Renew Europe) have all confirmed they were targeted by Belgian authorities.
'This is related to the investigation into my former assistant. The Belgian prosecution has not made any specific accusations against me, but wants to check whether anything improper may have taken place,' said Minchev.
Minchev says that he attended a football match, and the tickets were sourced by an individual affiliated with his former assistant, who had links to Huawei. The Bulgarian MEP denied any knowledge of who provided the tickets and has in turn requested that his immunity be lifted himself.
'The Belgian authorities want to verify whether anything inappropriate occurred. That's why I'm calling for my immunity to be lifted as quickly as possible, so the matter can be clarified and it becomes clear that I have nothing to do with any unauthorised or illegal activity."
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola is expected to officially announce the names of MEPs under investigation in the opening of a plenary session on Wednesday.
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