Belgian authorities have launched a significant investigation into allegations of corruption within the European Parliament, leading to multiple police raids across the country.

In a dramatic turn of events, several individuals have been detained as prosecutors delve deeper into what is being described as a sophisticated operation disguised as commercial lobbying.

The origins of this investigation trace back to activities purportedly linked to Huawei, the Chinese tech giant, which has been active in Brussels since 2021.

Reports suggest that lobbyists may have employed various tactics to influence EU policies, ranging from lavish gifts to invitations to major events, including football matches.

While Belgian police conducted a spree of 21 raids across Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia, they also extended their search beyond borders.

Local authorities in Portugal and France joined in the operation, resulting in additional searches and at least one arrest in France.

According to Belgian newspaper Le Soir, a significant focus of the investigation is on allegations of bribery involving current and former Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).

Prosecutors claim this corruption is deeply rooted and has been carried out discreetly under the guise of lobbying—often in the form of enticing offers such as lavish meals, travel expenses, and compensation for political positions.

In a statement, the prosecutor's office noted that investigations also target "active corruption" and potential "forgery and use of forged documents," all pointing to an organized crime framework potentially involving money laundering.

Although no MEPs were specifically accused in the raids conducted Thursday, the implications are serious and could shake the foundations of trust within the EU institutions.

As this scandal unfolds, Huawei has not yet issued a public comment, and the repercussions of these findings could have far-reaching impacts on the company's operations within Europe and its relationships with EU institutions.

Stay tuned as we continue to follow this developing story of intrigue and alleged corruption at the highest levels of European governance—who else might be implicated?