Back to map
Belgium
ISO: BE
5
Cases
4
Periods
investigation: 3ongoing: 2
ACTIVE / MAJOR CASES (2026)(1)
🆕 EPPO Raids EU Commission + SFPIM Over €900M Building Sale
February 12, 2026investigation
- Belgian police raided and Belgian sovereign wealth fund
- Investigation concerns €900 million sale of 23 EU buildings to Belgian state (2024 transaction)
- EPPO (European Public Prosecutor's Office) leading the investigation
- Commission claims "established procedures and protocols" were followed
ONGOING CASES(4)
1. Federal Police IT Project Fiasco (€75.8M)
January 2025Type: Public procurement / mismanagementActors: Federal Police, IT contractorsSummary: A massive IT modernization project for the Belgian Federal Police ballooned to €75.8 million while failing to deliver promised capabilities. The project suffered from poor oversight, scope creep, and contractor irregularities. Parliamentary inquiries revealed systemic procurement failures and potential favoritism in contractor selection.Status: Under parliamentary investigationSources: Belgian Parliament, De Standaard, Le Soirinvestigation
2. Qatargate Diplomatic Fallout
2022-2024 (ongoing consequences)Type: Foreign influence / briberyActors: Former MEPs (Eva Kaili, Marc Tarabella), Qatari/Moroccan interestsSummary: Belgian investigations into the European Parliament corruption scandal involving cash payments from Qatar and Morocco to influence EU positions. While centered on EU institutions, Belgian authorities led the prosecution and the scandal exposed vulnerabilities in Brussels' lobbying ecosystem. Tarabella (Belgian MEP) was among those charged.Status: Trials ongoingSources: Belgian Federal Prosecutor, Politico EU, RTBFongoing
3. EEAS/College of Europe Tender Fraud
December 2025Type: EU institution procurement fraudActors: European External Action Service officials, College of EuropeSummary: Fraudulent tender procedures uncovered involving contracts between the EEAS and the College of Europe in Bruges. The scheme allegedly involved rigged specifications and kickbacks. Belgian authorities cooperating with OLAF investigation.Status: Under investigationSources: OLAF, Belgian Federal Policeinvestigation
4. Transparency International Concerns
2024-2025Type: Institutional weaknessActors: Belgian government, lobbying sectorSummary: TI Belgium raised alarms about complacency in anti-corruption efforts, noting Belgium's declining CPI scores and inadequate lobbying regulations. Concerns about revolving door between government and private sector, especially in defense and pharma procurement. Brussels' status as EU capital creates unique corruption risks that aren't adequately addressed.Status: Policy reform pendingSources: Transparency International Belgium, CPI Reportsongoing
