Qatargate: Key suspect in E.U. corruption scandal strikes plea deal

Underneath the phrases of the deal, Panzeri will obtain a “diminished sentence” with an unspecified jail time. He will even have property confiscated. The assertion from Belgian prosecutors notes that that is solely the second time in Belgian authorized historical past that the “pentiti regulation” — a reference to Italian legal guidelines permitting investigation into the mafia — has been used.

E.U. corruption probe is a present to the bloc’s critics

Information of Panzeri’s cooperation is the most recent twist in a widening corruption probe that’s already being referred to as essentially the most important E.U. scandal in latest reminiscence.

After a sequence of police raids in December, Panzeri and a number of other others have been charged on suspicion of cash laundering, corruption and collaborating in a felony group on behalf of an unnamed “Gulf State,” broadly reported to be Qatar.

The opposite suspects embrace Eva Kaili, a Greek member of the European Parliament who was till final month one of many physique’s 14 vice presidents, and her accomplice, parliamentary assistant Francesco Giorgi. Kaili’s lawyer stated she maintains her innocence. Qatar denies involvement.

What are the Qatar bribery allegations rocking the European Parliament?

Though the main points of the alleged fraud are nonetheless coming to mild, Belgian police discovered greater than 1.5 million euros ($1.59 million) in money unfold between houses and a lodge. Ten parliamentary workplaces have been sealed. Authorities tweeted images displaying a suitcase filled with wads of money.

On Monday, the European Parliament started the method of lifting the immunity of two further members, which might enable them to be interviewed as a part of the probe.

The case — and its mafia-like particulars — has shaken the de facto capital of the European Union, elevating questions on corruption and affect peddling, notably within the European Parliament, and resulting in contemporary requires ethics oversight.

High E.U. officers have promised to toughen ethics guidelines, although these efforts are nonetheless in early phases — and face criticism for being too weak.