Brussels – A large-scale operation has shaken the European Parliament, with the arrest of several lobbyists of the Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei. The accusation is of corruption against about fifteen MEPs, with the aim of influencing the company's commercial policy in the Old Continent.
Article Key Points
The Investigation: A New “Qatargate”?
The investigation, conducted by the Belgian Federal Prosecutor's Office, hypothesizes a corruption scheme similar to the "Qatargate" case, which had already shaken the European institution. At the center of the investigation is Valerio Ottati, Huawei's director of public affairs for the European Union, with a past as assistant to two Italian MEPs.
The role of Valerio Ottati
Ottati, an Italian-Belgian citizen, is suspected of orchestrating a “regular and very discreet” corruption scheme from 2021 to the present, under the guise of lobbying activities. The charges include bribery, forgery, money laundering and participation in a criminal organization.
The charges: gifts, trips and money
According to leaked information, Huawei lobbyists allegedly offered MEPs valuable gifts, trips, invitations to sporting events and cash payments, exceeding the limits allowed by European Parliament rules.
Operation “Generation”
The operation, called “Generation”, involved around a hundred Belgian judicial police officers, who carried out 21 searches in Brussels, Wallonia, Flanders and Portugal.
The reactions
The European Parliament said it “acknowledged the information” and was ready to cooperate with the judicial authorities. The Federal Prosecutor’s Office announced the possibility of requesting the lifting of parliamentary immunity for some MEPs. Huawei has not yet made an official statement.
Article published on March 13, 2025 - 13pm
