Belgian spies planted their bugs very well

The State Security Service (the Belgian secret service) caught several Members of the European Parliament red-handed following an invitation from Huawei to attend football matches. The case, dubbed "Huaweigate", involves an anti-corruption investigation.

It all began with what seemed an innocuous act: Chinese tech giant Huawei booked a VIP box for the season at Lotto Park, the stadium of Sporting Anderlecht, a Jupiler Pro League football club based in Brussels and competing in the UEFA Europa League. The booking cost €50,000. This is a common practice for many companies looking to entertain clients. However, the State Security Service saw things differently. When informed about the reservation, Belgian spies thought the conversations during the matches might be worth listening to. Agents thus paid a visit to the box and filled it with listening devices.

A Lucky Strike

Bingo! Their hunch paid off. The case was revealed by American media outlet Politico. It shed light on recent actions by the Belgian judiciary. Several MEPs have come under scrutiny by Belgian courts. It appears the Chinese group may be attempting to influence certain Members of the European Parliament. Corruption is even suspected, either by hefty cheques depending on political decisions, "excessive" gifts, or invitations to trips, restaurants and events, including matches between Anderlecht and other European teams. In any event, the Belgian Federal Prosecutor has requested that the diplomatic immunity of several MEPs be lifted.

Corruption or Lobbying?

The legal case contains recordings by the Belgian intelligence service. They reportedly show that conversations between Huawei’s lobbyist, a certain Valerio Ottati (whose car was also bugged), and his guests, were aimed at "establishing an initial contact with politicians". He was then to attempt to "grease" them, meaning shower them with valuable gifts and subtly suggest they “forget” to declare them. Legally, any gift worth more than €150 received by an MEP from a lobbying group or company must be declared.

Overzealous Assistants

Politico has named two individuals: Maltese Daniel Attard and Bulgarian Nikola Minchev. Two other Italian MEPs are also reportedly in the sights of the Belgian judiciary. Daniel Attard responded by confirming that he had attended a European cup match between Anderlecht and Hungarian side Ferencváros. He defended himself by saying he did not know the source of the invitation made by his "Hungarian parliamentary assistant" for himself and his son. Nikola Minchev offered similar explanations for the match between the Belgian side and Bulgarian team Ludogorets, again via an "assistant". The courts must determine their possible involvement in this corruption case; for now, they remain presumed innocent.

(MH with Olivier Duquesne – Sources: SudInfo, Le Soir & Politico – Picture: © picture alliance / Kirchner-Media | Kirchner-Media/Thomas Haesler)