A dramatic turn in the investigation involving MEP Fulvio Martusciello, regional coordinator of Forza Italia. Belgian authorities have arrested Lucia Simeone, Martusciello's accredited assistant, on charges of criminal association, money laundering and corruption.
The investigation, conducted by the Belgian judiciary, aims to shed light on alleged illicit financing by telecommunications companies. In the sights of the investigators, in particular, the relationships between Martusciello and two Chinese giants in the sector, Huawei and ZTE, regarding the issue of 5G.
Simeone's arrest would also be linked to a second line of investigation, concerning alleged false signatures affixed by Martusciello and his colleague Giosi Ferrandino (formerly of the PD, now Azione) to unduly obtain reimbursements and daily allowances. According to the prosecution, the two MEPs would have falsely certified Ferrandino's presence at the sessions of the European Parliament, thus cashing in the daily allowances of 350 euros required for each presence.
Simeone, originally from Ercolano and considered a person of extreme trust by Martusciello, held a key role in his offices, so much so that she was defined as a sort of "general secretary". The arrest represents a hard blow for the MEP and for Forza Italia, and could lead to new developments in the investigation.
The investigation led by the Belgian justice has so far led to the arrest of four lobbyists linked to the Chinese telecommunications giant, suspected of having bribed about fifteen former and current MEPs to favor Chinese interests in Europe. However, until today no MEP or assistant was among those under investigation.
During a series of searches at the European Parliament, Belgian investigators had temporarily seized the offices of two assistants linked to Forza Italia, then removed the seals earlier this week.
On the other hand, the Belgian media yesterday wrote that the former MEP of Azione Giuseppe Ferrandino and Martusciello, have ended up under the scrutiny of the European Public Prosecutor's Office (Eppo) for alleged irregularities in their expense reports. Sources from the European Public Prosecutor's Office have confirmed that the investigation against Martusciello is still ongoing, excluding however that they have issued arrest warrants in the context of the investigation.
Article published on March 20, 2025 - 14pm
The arrest of Simeone is news that makes us reflect on politics and how public funds are managed. We hope that the truth comes out and that those who made mistakes pay for their actions, it is important for the credibility of the institutions.