Belgian police have conducted a series of raids on the European Parliament as authorities are trying to get to the bottom of alleged corruption.
Belgian prosecutor Michel Claise has overseen multiple raids on members of the European Union (MEPs) over allegations of widespread corruption and bribery related to the Qatari government.
The European Parliament is one of the legislative bodies of the multinational European Union. It boasts 705 members from 27 member countries and is based in Strasbourg, France.
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A general view of the interior of the European Parliament on May 12, 2016 in Strasbourg, France.
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“Four people were arrested by the Brussels investigating judge who is conducting the investigation,” the federal prosecutor’s office said, according to Euractiv.
The press release continues: “They are accused of participation in a criminal organization, money laundering and corruption. Two people have been released from prison by the magistrate”.
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Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, attends the women’s final match between Great Britain and Spain during day five of the ANOC World Beach Games Qatar 2019 at Katara Beach on October 16, 2019 in Doha, Qatar.
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Among the suspects, the vice president of the European Parliament Eva Kaili was arrested by the Belgian police on charges of accepting bribes to influence European policy in favor of the Qatari regime.
Kaili, a Greek socialist MEP, was taken into police custody after investigators raided her home and found “bags of money”.
“The courts will determine who is guilty, but what is certain is that it is not just Qatar, and it is not just the people who have been named that are involved,” French lawmaker Raphaël Glucksmann told Politico.
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Flags of nations belonging to the European Parliament.
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So far, six people have been arrested and at least 19 residences and offices have been searched.
