The Belgian judiciary is investigating suspected corruption, money laundering and influence from abroad.
(Photo: IMAGO/ANE Edition)
Brussels According to media reports, one of the suspects in custody in the corruption scandal surrounding the European Parliament confessed. The partner of ousted European Parliament Vice-President Eva Kaili has admitted to being part of an organization used by Qatar and Morocco to meddle in European affairs, Le Soir and La Repubblica newspapers reported on Thursday Citing investigative documents.
The Belgian judiciary is investigating suspected corruption, money laundering and influence from abroad in the vicinity of the European Parliament. Six suspects have been arrested since Friday, two of whom have been released. Eva Kaili’s detention date has been postponed to next week.
According to the report, Kaili’s partner, himself an assistant in the office of an Italian MEP, accused former Italian MEP Pier Antonio Panzeri of being the head of the alleged organization. Both are still in custody.
According to the report, his own role was to manage cash. He went on to say that two MPs had received money from Panzeri. When asked by Le Soir, Panzeri’s lawyer said he did not have the information.
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“Le Soir” and “La Repubblica” also reported that the investigations are aimed at Morocco as well as the Gulf state of Qatar. In the European Arrest Warrant, which was issued for Panzeri’s wife and daughter last week, Morocco is also suspected of “having politically intervened with members of the European Parliament in favor of Qatar and Morocco against payment”. The Moroccan secret service is also involved.
Speaker of Parliament plans stricter rules for organizations
Parliament President Roberta Metsola announced on Thursday a comprehensive reform package in the fight against corruption. The package is to be presented in the new year. “I will personally direct this work,” she said. Among other things, there should be stricter rules for organizations and members of third countries who want to meet with parliamentarians. Better protection for whistleblowers was also announced.
>> Read here: In Brussels, the mood is turning against Qatar – MP Kaili comments on the cash found in her apartment
“There will be no impunity. Nothing is swept under the rug. There will be no “business as usual”, emphasized the Maltese. The allegations are a blow to everything that has been worked on for many years. “It takes years to build trust and just a moment to destroy it,” Metsola said.
However, the top politician did not rule out that similar scandals could occur in the future. “But I will ensure that everything is done to ensure that Parliament is not for sale,” she said. Specifically, she criticized the fact that there were too many organizations whose funding was unclear and non-transparent. Action will be taken against this.
More: Corruption in Brussels: “This is probably the tip of the iceberg”