Belgian justice opens investigation into Russian interference in the European Parliament

The Belgian federal prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into suspicions of corruption among MEPs after the identification of an influence network financed by Moscow, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo announced on Friday April 12, specifying that the subject would be discussed at next week at the EU summit. Prague revealed at the end of March the discovery by Czech intelligence services of a network financed and orchestrated by Moscow which spread pro-Russian propaganda on Ukraine via the Voice of Europe website.

Belgium then stressed that, according to its services, MEPs “had received money” in this context to promote “Russian propaganda”. “Our judicial authorities have confirmed that this interference is subject to prosecution”assured Alexander De Croo, during a press conference. “Cash payments did not take place in Belgium, interference did”he explained, emphasizing that Belgium is the seat of European institutions. “A file was opened yesterday (THURSDAY) to the federal prosecutor’s office”a spokesperson for the institution confirmed to AFP.

According to Belgian intelligence services, “Moscow’s objectives are clear: help elect more pro-Russian candidates to the European Parliament” during the June elections “and strengthening the pro-Russian discourse within this institution is extremely worrying”insisted the Belgian Prime Minister. “We have a responsibility to defend the right of every citizen to a free and secure vote”he insisted, without specifying which elected officials were involved.