Huawei Lobbyists Banned Amid EU Bribery Probe

Chinese tech giant Huawei is implicated in a major corruption investigation involving the European Parliament, with allegations of bribery to influence EU decision-making. Belgian prosecutors have charged that Huawei engaged in active corruption, forgery, and money laundering, benefiting from activities disguised as commercial lobbying since 2021. As part of the investigation, authorities conducted raids in Belgium and Portugal, arresting several individuals, although no members of the European Parliament (MEPs) were detained. The European Parliament has temporarily banned Huawei lobbyists from its premises, and the offices of two aides allegedly involved have been sealed. Huawei has expressed a commitment to compliance and stated it is taking the allegations seriously. The scandal has prompted calls for stronger oversight and reform within the European Parliament, reminiscent of the previous Qatargate scandal.