The alleged leader of a crime syndicate implicated in an EU corruption scandal has agreed to reveal which countries are involved and how the network operates, reports the BBC.

Prosecutors say former EU representative Pierre Antonio Panzieri agreed to a plea bargain under a whistleblowing law that had only been used once before in Belgium. The former member of the European Parliament is one of the four suspects being held in Belgium, according to A BBC.

They are suspected of accepting bribes from Qatar and Morocco to influence the Brussels Parliament.

Qatar has vehemently denied trying to gain influence through gifts and money, while Morocco has vehemently rejected accusations that it has sought to influence issues such as fishing rights and the disputed status of Western Sahara.

See also  Ukraine's president begins 'dismantling oligarchy'

The four suspects were charged last month after police seized around €1.5m (£1.3m) in cash during raids on a flat, house and hotel. Pictures were released of police hiding 200, 50, 20 and 10 euro banknotes, including a bag full of cash found in a hotel.

Panziri had been a representative in the European Parliament for years and, after losing his mandate, created an NGO called Fighting Impunity. He lobbied with this organization on behalf of his foreign clients, and they are suspected of having bribed MEPs, their aides and other public figures with money he also took in bribes. Eva Kaili, former Greek Vice-President of the European Parliament, was a member of the network. He is also currently behind bars.




HVG

Order the weekly HVG newspaper or digitally and read us anywhere, anytime!


The number of editorial offices independent of the authorities is constantly decreasing, and the ones that still exist are trying to stay afloat in a headwind that is getting stronger every day. At HVG, we persevere, do not give in to pressure, and bring local and international news every day.

That’s why we ask you, our readers, to support us! We promise to keep doing the best we can!


See also  A shark several metres long was filmed in the Adriatic Sea, but is the Croatian coast not safe? The man fell into the water just centimetres from the huge predator