10 EUP members’ offices seal as corruption scandal unfolds
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As members of the European Parliament face a corruption investigation, several offices were sealed and one member was apprehended.
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European Parliament in Strasbourg, France (Reuters)
In light of a corruption scandal, the security forces of the European Parliament (EP) have blocked off some offices in Strasbourg, according to a Politico report that cited related authorities.
In accordance with an investigation into allegations of corruption in the European Parliament connected to the World Cup being held in Qatar and the illicit lobbying in favor of Qatar, Belgian authorities conducted multiple arrests and searches in Brussels earlier last week.
The security forces of the European Parliament reportedly sealed roughly 10 EP members' offices on Tuesday. Additionally, the office of an assistant to the Italian EP member Pietro Bartolo was also sealed.
Margaritis Schinas, vice president of the European Commission, unequivocally rejected any involvement in the corruption scandal during his first public remark following the scandal, Politico reported.
According to reports in Belgian media, on Tuesday, the police discovered more than 1.5 million euros ($1.59 million) in cash in the homes of former Italian EP member Pier Antonio Panzeri as well as in the house of Eva Kaili, who was relieved of her vice-presidential duties for the EU on the same day. Kaili and her partner were apprehended on December 9 and their home was searched.
Kaili was promptly dismissed from her party, the Greek Panhellenic Socialist Movement, as a result of the bribery scandal.
Read more: Democracy is under attack: EU Parliament President
