Several individuals have been arrested.
Belgian federal police conducted raids in the early hours of Thursday, as part of a corruption probe involving the European Parliament.
“We can confirm that we have an ongoing investigation on preliminary charges of active corruption, forgery of documents, money laundering at the European Parliament,” said a spokesperson for the Belgian Prosecutor’s office.
Police conducted raids on 21 addresses in Brussels, Flanders, Wallonia and in Portugal, the spokesperson added. Several individuals have been arrested.
Around 15 former and current MEPs are “on the radar” of the investigators, according to investigative news outlet Follow the Money and Belgian publications Le Soir and Knack, which first reported on the news.
“The European Parliament takes note of the information,” a spokesperson from the European Parliament said. “When requested it always cooperates fully with the judicial authorities.”
Max Griera contributed reporting.
This story is being updated.