Qatargate deepens: Three more charged in European Parliament bribery scandal

Belgian authorities have made further developments in the “Qatargate” bribery scandal that has shaken the European Parliament, charging three more individuals in connection with the case.

The new indictments, revealed by Le Soir newspaper, were issued at the close of 2024 and officially announced during a closed-door hearing in Brussels on January 7, Caliber.Az reports referencing foreign media.

The Qatargate scandal, which erupted in December 2022, has already sent shockwaves through the European political landscape. Police raids in Brussels at the homes of key political figures, including Greek MEP Eva Kaili and former Italian MEP Pier Antonio Panzeri, uncovered €1.5 million in cash — sparking widespread allegations of bribery. Both Kaili and Panzeri are at the centre of a growing investigation, accused of taking payments from the Qatari government to push its interests within the European Union.

The latest indictments expand the investigation, now focusing on three former parliamentary aides. These individuals either worked for the influential Socialists and Democrats parliamentary group or were closely associated with Panzeri and Francesco Giorgi, an Italian parliamentary assistant and Kaili’s partner. Le Soir reported that these men are suspected of having received invitations to lavish events in Qatar, including a football match during the 2022 World Cup, in addition to receiving cash payments. These alleged bribes were part of a broader effort to influence EU policy on Qatar’s behalf.

The scandal has raised serious concerns about transparency and ethics within the European Parliament, as it underscores the vulnerability of lawmakers to foreign influence. The case highlights Qatar’s growing investment in lobbying European politicians, with the scandal drawing attention to the use of financial incentives to gain political favour.

This latest round of charges brings the total number of individuals facing legal consequences in the case to nearly 15, according to Le Soir.