Raids Hit EU Lawmakers As Huawei Lobbying Case Breaks Wide Open

Investigators have launched a corruption case involving Huawei and dozens of European lawmakers accused of accepting money and gifts in exchange for promoting Chinese interests inside the EU. The case has already led to five charges and widespread searches across Belgium and Portugal.

The investigation centers on activities that began in 2021. Authorities say Huawei allegedly provided perks like football tickets, meals and travel, as well as direct payments to individuals who held or once held seats in the European Parliament.

One part of the case involves a letter sent to EU leaders by eight MEPs in 2021. The letter warned against restricting Chinese companies from participating in infrastructure development. Prosecutors are now examining whether Huawei funded the effort and compensated those involved.

One of the signers, Fulvio Martusciello of Italy, has seen his political office swept up in the probe. Both his assistant and former aide have been arrested. The letter’s drafter may have been promised over $16,000, while other lawmakers allegedly received much smaller sums.

The raids have included 21 locations in multiple countries, with recent activity taking place inside European Parliament offices. Prosecutors say those charged include individuals directly tied to lobbying networks they believe were working for or with Huawei.

Earlier warnings about the letter were dismissed by the EU’s anti-fraud unit, OLAF. Despite receiving information from a nonprofit organization, OLAF opted against launching an investigation, citing insufficient evidence.

This case comes on the heels of other foreign influence scandals involving MEPs who were previously accused of accepting bribes from countries including Qatar, Morocco and Mauritania.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR