Brussels, Belgium: In a startling revelation, it has been disclosed that Belgian authorities suspected for years that a prominent Flemish far-right politician, Frank Creyelman, may have been working as an asset for Chinese intelligence.
However, legal barriers have thwarted attempts to prosecute him, according to Belgium’s Justice Minister, Paul Van Tigchelt.
Van Tigchelt, acknowledged that it was “no secret” that Creyelman, a former member of the Flemish far-right Vlaams Belang party, was believed to be “used by foreign regimes” seeking to influence Belgian politics.
Despite evidence uncovered by security agencies, Belgian authorities have been unable to press criminal charges due to loopholes in the country’s century-old penal code.
The Justice Minister revealed that the attorney-general in Brussels determined in 2018 that there was insufficient evidence to establish a crime in Creyelman’s case.
Last week, an investigation by the Financial Times, Der Spiegel, and Le Monde exposed messages indicating that Creyelman had served as an asset for Chinese spies for over three years.
The messages outlined how Daniel Woo, an officer in China’s Ministry of State Security spy agency, directed Creyelman to influence discussions in Europe on various issues, including China’s actions in Hong Kong and Xinjiang.
Despite the revelations, Creyelman has not responded to inquiries about his alleged relationship with Chinese intelligence, and the Chinese foreign ministry has claimed to be “not aware of the situation.”
Belgian authorities became aware of Creyelman’s potential ties to China in 2018 following a tip-off linking him to a network allegedly working for Beijing.
However, the outdated nature of Belgium’s criminal code, dating back to 1867, has hindered prosecution efforts. Espionage and foreign interference are only considered criminal offenses in relation to military matters under the current legal framework.
Justice Minister Van Tigchelt emphasized the need for legal reform and noted that the Belgian federal parliament is set to vote on an overhaul of the laws, expected to come into force no earlier than next year.
Creyelman, a longstanding member of Belgium’s far-right Flemish nationalist movement, served in the federal Senate from 1999 to 2007 and later in the Flemish parliament until 2014.
Last week, he was stripped of his party affiliation with Vlaams Belang after the revelations about his alleged ties to Chinese intelligence.
An ongoing intelligence investigation is examining Creyelman’s links to China and possible espionage activities. However, the uncertain legal landscape raises questions about whether he will face prosecution for criminal offenses.
Belgium, with its concentration of international institutions in Brussels, including the EU and NATO, has become a focal point for foreign governments.
Van Tigchelt acknowledged the heightened interest but expressed confidence that Belgium’s State Security Service (VSSE), with an increased staff of 1,000, is equipped to handle the challenges posed by espionage and interference.
As concerns over foreign interference grow, the case of Creyelman underscores the pressing need for legal reforms to empower authorities to address modern threats effectively.
The espionage allegations also highlight the delicate balance between national security and the limitations of outdated legal frameworks in the evolving landscape of global intelligence operations.
