29 minutes agoEP Corruption Scandal, Former Italian President Becomes an associate in Investigations
Periskopi(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)Former Italian European Parliament member Pierre Antonio Panzer has agreed to co-operate with Belgian authorities for investigations into the corruption scandal in exchange for a lower sentence. The former European Parliament delegation is one of four suspects who have been arrested in Belgium. According to a press release by Belgian authorities, Panzer will [...]
According to a press release by Belgian authorities, Panzer will inform investigators of key details in the investigation if foreign countries, including Qatar, have illegally influenced the EP work. Panzer will provide information on financial agreements, the countries involved, who benefited and who was involved.
His lawyer, Laurent Kennes, said Panzer “claims he has participated in corruption acts”. “He also accepts participation in a criminal organisation, and in terms used by the Public Prosecutor's Office, he acknowledges he is a leader or one of the leaders of the criminal organisation,” said Kennes.
Particularly, Panzer has also agreed to disclose the names of those who have bribed, the prosecutor said. Panzer and Greek euro-deputate Eva Kaili, along with two others, are already arrested by Belgian authorities and face corruption charges and money laundering.
The detainees are allegedly bribed by Qatar and Morocco in exchange for influence on the Brussels Parliament. Qatar has strongly denied having tried to gain influence through gifts and money. Morocco has also strongly rejected the accusations. /abcnews. al
