Media: Confession in the EU corruption scandal
Created: 12/15/2022, 12:52 p.m
Media hype in front of the Palace of Justice in Brussels.
© Gert Jochems/AP/dpa
The allegations of corruption, money laundering and influence from abroad are in the scandal surrounding the European Parliament in the room.
One of the suspects unpacks.
According to media reports, one of the suspects in custody in the corruption scandal surrounding the European Parliament confessed.
The partner of ousted European Parliament Vice-President Eva Kaili has admitted to being part of an organization used by Qatar and Morocco to meddle in European affairs, Le Soir and La Repubblica newspapers reported on Thursday Citing investigative documents.
The Belgian judiciary is investigating suspected corruption, money laundering and influence from abroad in the vicinity of the European Parliament.
Six suspects have been arrested since Friday, two of whom have been released.
Eva Kaili's detention date has been postponed to next week.
Suspicion also against Morocco
According to the report, Kaili's partner, himself an assistant in the office of an Italian MEP, accused former Italian MEP Pier Antonio Panzeri of being the head of the alleged organization.
Both are still in custody.
According to the report, his own role was to manage cash.
He went on to say that two MPs had received money from Panzeri.
When asked by Le Soir, Panzeri's lawyer said he did not have the information.
"Le Soir" and "La Repubblica" also reported that the investigations are aimed at Morocco as well as the Gulf state of Qatar.
In the European Arrest Warrant, which was issued for Panzeri's wife and daughter last week, Morocco is also suspected of "having politically intervened with members of the European Parliament in favor of Qatar and Morocco against payment".
The Moroccan secret service is also involved.
dpa
