Follow the Money: The Podcast Inside the Huawei corruption scandal that rocked Brussels
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Jul 22, 2025 Simon Van Dorpe, an investigative journalist, dives deep into the sensational Huawei corruption scandal that has shaken Brussels. He discusses the shocking bribery schemes employed by Huawei to influence European Parliament members, raising serious concerns about corporate integrity. Van Dorpe sheds light on the controversial figure Valerio Ome and the severe repercussions Huawei now faces, including bans on lobbying. The conversation also touches on the complex challenges of investigating corruption, balancing the safety of sources with the pursuit of truth.
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Swift Institutional Exclusion Followed Raids
- After the investigation became public, institutions quickly cut Huawei's access to EU bodies and trade associations.
- The speed of sanctions reflects political sensitivity to foreign tech influence amid corruption claims.
Scale And Stakes Of The Huawei Case
- Huawei's alleged bribery aimed to win favorable public support from MEPs rather than directly rewrite laws.
- The scandal mattered more because Huawei is a globally powerful Chinese tech company with geopolitical ramifications.
The Lobbyist With Parliament Experience
- Valerio O. moved from being an MEP assistant to a Huawei lobbyist and used his Parliament contacts to open doors.
- Colleagues reported drug use, falsified documents and repeated bad behavior in the office.