Greek MEP and Vice-President of the European Parliament Eva Kaili has been arrested in the course of an investigation into alleged corruption by Qatar. Kaili was arrested in Brussels on Friday evening and is now being questioned by the police, sources familiar with the case report. Previously, there had already been four arrests in the Belgian capital in the course of the investigation.
According to information from the AFP news agency, the Vice President of the European Parliament has been expelled from her Greek party, the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK). Background are investigations by the Belgian public prosecutor’s office against several people on suspicion of corruption in the EU parliament, party leader Nikos Androulakis announced on Friday evening. According to media reports, it is an attempt to influence the Arab Gulf Emirate of Qatar.
Kaili’s partner is also arrested
Among the four previously arrested is a parliamentary assistant from the Socialist Group in the European Parliament (S&D), who is also the partner of Parliament Vice-President Kaili. Also arrested were former Italian Socialist MEP Pier Antonio Panzeri, the head of an NGO and a trade union leader, both also Italian nationals.
According to the Belgian federal prosecutor’s office, a total of 16 house searches took place in Brussels, one of the places where the European Parliament works. The police seized data carriers and mobile phones, as well as cash amounting to approximately 600,000 euros.
It is therefore determined for “gang corruption and money laundering”. The Federal Prosecutor’s Office is responsible for the prosecution of organized crime and terrorism in Belgium.
Alleged efforts by a Gulf state
According to the authority, the investigations, led by an investigating judge in Brussels, concern alleged attempts by a Gulf state to “influence the economic and political decisions of the European Parliament by paying significant sums of money or giving substantial gifts”.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
