Tech Giant Huawei Faces Bribery Probe in EU Lobbying Scandal
Huawei’s already fragile standing in Europe could take a major hit as bribery accusations add to long-standing espionage concerns.
We all know Huawei is no stranger to controversy, but this time, the stakes are higher than ever and could spell doom for the company in Europe.
Recent reports are swirling alleging that the Chinese tech giant bribed members of the European Union (EU) parliament to lobby its commercial interests.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Belgian prosecutors have arrested several individuals in connection with a bribery investigation involving Huawei and the European Parliament which took place on a regular basis from 2021 to the present day.
Investigators believe the illicit payments may have been “mixed up” in financial flows linked to conference expenses in order to disguise their true purpose.
Approximately 100 federal police officers conducted 21 searches across Belgium and Portugal, sealing offices in the EU Parliament, according to the WSJ.
For Huawei, this is just the latest chapter in a long and rocky relationship with Europe. The company has spent years under intense scrutiny, with ongoing fears about the security of its devices and potential espionage risks linked to its close ties with the Chinese government. Several European nations have gone as far as banning Huawei’s equipment from their 5G networks. Now, with bribery accusations in the mix, Huawei’s already fragile standing in Europe could take a major hit.
This scandal raises big questions about the influence of tech companies on policy and the security of Europe’s digital infrastructure. While the allegations are still unconfirmed, they highlight the delicate balance between technological progress and ethical governance.
As the investigation unfolds, the world will be watching closely. If the allegations prove true, it could lead to a major crackdown on tech companies operating in Europe, setting a precedent for stricter regulations. For now, Huawei is in the hot seat—and this time, the fallout could be severe.
Emmanuel Oyedeji
