Belgium has decided not to press charges against two Moroccan nationals implicated in the Qatargate scandal, dealing a significant blow to the long-running investigation into alleged corruption within the European Parliament.
The decision, announced by the federal prosecutor’s office in Brussels, shifts the responsibility for any legal action against the suspects to Moroccan authorities.
The Qatargate scandal that erupted in 2022 revolves around allegations that European lawmakers received bribes from Qatar and Morocco in exchange for political favors and favorable resolutions within the EU.
Among the key figures implicated is Abderrahim Atmoun, a Moroccan diplomat accused of bribing former MEP Pier Antonio Panzeri. These allegations were based on leaked security service reports that triggered widespread scrutiny and subsequent investigations.
Belgium had earlier communicated to Moroccan officials regarding suspicions of corruption, money laundering, and involvement in organized crime against the individuals in question.
However, the federal prosecutor’s office did not find grounds to pursue charges against them within Belgium, leaving the matter unresolved from a legal standpoint in the country where the alleged offenses occurred.
The Moroccan embassy in Brussels has yet to comment on the latest developments, while the Moroccan government has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to the scandal.
Pier Antonio Panzeri, one of the central figures in the case, admitted to accepting substantial sums totaling €2 million from Qatar and Morocco.
These payments were allegedly made in exchange for influencing EU policies and securing favorable political outcomes for both countries.
Panzeri’s admission has cast a shadow over the credibility of European parliamentary processes and triggered broader questions about transparency and accountability within EU institutions.
The investigation has faced numerous challenges, including accusations of conflicts of interest among investigators and judicial reviews that have delayed potential trials.
Several high-profile figures, including MEP Eva Kaili and her partner Francesco Giorgi, have been implicated and questioned but maintain varying degrees of involvement in the scandal.
Kaili denies any wrongdoing, whereas Giorgi has reportedly confessed to his role in an organization purportedly used to exert influence over EU policies on behalf of Qatar and Morocco.
The complexity of the case was further underscored by the suspension of investigating judge Aurélie Dejaiffe earlier this year following a request by one of the suspects.
The handling of the investigation has also seen turnover among key personnel, with lead investigators being replaced amid claims of conflicts of interest and procedural irregularities.
The decision not to prosecute the Moroccan suspects represents a setback for Belgian authorities grappling with the intricacies of an international scandal that has shaken the foundations of EU governance.
It remains to be seen how Moroccan authorities will proceed with the case as the legal implications and diplomatic ramifications continue to unfold.
In the meantime, the European Parliament and its member states face mounting pressure to address systemic vulnerabilities that allowed such allegations to surface and persist unchecked within the corridors of Brussels.
The fallout from Qatargate serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in maintaining integrity and accountability in European politics, prompting calls for reforms aimed at restoring public trust and ensuring greater transparency in decision-making processes.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
