Belgian authorities have accused Huawei executives of being aware of and approving alleged bribes to EU lawmakers in 2021.

The allegations involve a Huawei lobbyist offering €15,000 (US$16,246) to a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and €1,500 (US$1,625) to co-signers of a letter promoting Huawei’s interests.

Four individuals have been arrested for corruption and operating a criminal organization, while a fifth, facing money laundering charges, was released on bail.

The case has intensified scrutiny of EU corruption following the Qatargate scandal.

Italian MEP Fulvio Martusciello is accused of receiving €15,000 (US$16,246) for leading the 2021 letter, a claim he denies. His assistant, Lucia Simeone, has been placed under house arrest in Italy.

Huawei said it has a zero-tolerance policy for corruption and is cooperating with investigators.

The European Commission and Parliament have not commented.

The case adds to concerns over Huawei’s ties with the EU, as some member states have restricted its equipment in critical infrastructure.

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