Latest Qatargate Revelations: MEP’s Son Found with 280,000 Euros in Cash at Home

The Belgian newspaper “Le Soir”, quoted by BTA, reported that the police discovered 280,000 euros in cash at the home of MEP Maria Arena’s son.

In a statement, the prosecutor’s office revealed that uniformed officers also searched five other locations that were linked directly or indirectly to Arena or her family.

This scandal, which is considered one of the biggest in European Union politics in decades, revolves around allegations of politicians, parliamentary aides, and NGOs being bribed by Qatar and Morocco to influence decision-making in the European Parliament.

Despite being mentioned in the investigation due to her friendship with one of the suspects and his connection to the other three, Arena firmly stated, “I am convinced that the investigation will confirm that I am not involved in any way in this case. I will probably be heard in the coming weeks, after the holidays.”

Several members of the European Parliament, including Eva Kaili, Marc Tarabella, and Andrea Cozzolino, are considered suspects in the Qatargate case, while former MEP Pier Antonio Panzeri has already pleaded guilty.

In June, the investigating magistrate Michel Cleis recused himself from the case when it was revealed that his son had been involved in a joint business with Arena’s son since 2018.

In January, Maria Arena resigned as chair of the European Parliament’s human rights committee after it was discovered by “Politico” that she failed to declare free flights and luxury hotel stays sponsored by the Qatari government.

Maria Arena is a member of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats and serves as an MP from Belgium.