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Did the corrupt ex-EU politician Panzeri additionally incriminate other suspects as a key witness? Much is still in the dark.
The suspected mastermind behind the EU corruption scandal, Pier Antonio Panzeri, wants to “tell everything he knows” and work with the Belgian judiciary. Yesterday, Tuesday, he signed a corresponding agreement. In return, the corrupt ex-parliamentarian should get away with one year in prison instead of five.
It is a great success for the Belgian anti-corruption agency. Because with this leniency agreement, it is clear that the investigations are well advanced and that there are apparently also very substantial violations of the applicable law. It’s an admission of guilt by the prime suspect. It is only the second time that this option, «statement against reduced sentence», has been used in a corruption case in Belgium. The anti-mafia laws in Italy served as a model.
Legend:
The suspected mastermind Pier Antonio Panzeri can expect a greatly reduced prison sentence thanks to his leniency deal. The estimated million euros that he is said to have stolen from his machinations will be confiscated. He should pay a fine for this.
Keystone/EPA/STEPHANIE LECOCQ
In addition to Panzeri, other suspects are in custody, including the former Vice President of the EU Parliament, Eva Kaili, who will be heard again tomorrow by the magistrate. It is not yet known exactly whether Panzeri will further incriminate the other suspects. But Panzeri allegedly said 120,000 euros in cash went to Belgian EU politician Marc Tarabella. This is what Belgian newspapers report. Tarabella has always maintained his innocence.
Other suspects, including Panzeri employees in particular, have already admitted receiving payments from the Moroccan government and Qatar. Officially, the circle of accused has not yet increased.
There was still no insight into the entire system
It is not yet known how the system of exerting influence works and who received money in return for what – apart from benevolent statements in the EU Parliament or in public. Much of the corruption affair remains a mystery until law enforcement announces more.
A central element of the further investigations will be the non-governmental organization “Fight Impunity”, led by the Social Democrat Panzeri, which fought against the impunity of high-ranking politicians. In recent weeks it has become increasingly clear that this non-profit organization in Belgium was more of a vehicle to hide corruption funds than a charity.
Affair not over yet
No one would be surprised if the corruption scandal in the EU Parliament spread even further. This can be heard in Strasbourg, where the plenary session is currently taking place.
The affair has already shown that the transparency rules in the EU Parliament are good, but are followed only very laxly and are not sanctioned. Countless trips that were not self-paid have been reported in recent weeks because many MPs had apparently forgotten that.
At the moment it doesn’t look as if any other politicians will be indicted by the Belgian anti-corruption authority. Nevertheless, the big clean-up in the European Parliament is now beginning. Rules need to be reviewed and improved. The consequences of this affair are far from digested.