Huawei Representative Banned from Entering European Parliament After Bribery Scandal Erupts.

The European Parliament spokesperson announced on Friday (March 14th) that representatives from Huawei, a tech giant supported by the Chinese government, have been banned from entering the Parliament buildings following a bribery scandal that came to light the day before.

The temporary ban, which applies to Parliament venues in Brussels, Strasbourg, Luxembourg, and all liaison offices across 27 EU countries, will remain in effect until the authorities complete their investigation.

This decision by the EU Parliament came after federal police conducted searches in the Brussels capital region, Flanders, Wallonia, and Portugal on Thursday (March 13th).

During the search on Thursday, police raided Huawei’s headquarters in Brussels. A spokesperson for the Belgian prosecutor’s office stated that authorities are investigating preliminary allegations of corruption, document forgery, and money laundering involving Huawei and the European Parliament.

The Federal Prosecutor’s Office reported that over 100 police officers searched 21 locations that day, leading to several arrests of individuals suspected of participating in corrupt activities within the European Parliament, as well as forging and using falsified documents. Those arrested are currently undergoing questioning.

Huawei responded to the accusations on Thursday by stating that they take them seriously and are in urgent communication with investigators.

According to preliminary findings, these corrupt activities may have been occurring regularly and discreetly since 2021. Huawei allegedly engaged in various forms of bribery under the guise of “lobbying,” such as exchanging money and other benefits for the support of specific political positions or policies from parliament members or officials. This included offering high-value gifts like luxury dining experiences or covering travel expenses as a means of influence or bribery, as well as regularly inviting individuals to entertainment activities like attending football matches to build relationships.

According to the EU Transparency Register, nine Huawei employees have certifications to access Parliament premises.

References: Associated Press, European News Channels.