The five were picked up last week, and four of them now face charges of active corruption and involvement in a criminal organisation. At the same time, the fifth has been slapped with money laundering charges but was fortunate enough to be let go conditionally.

The prosecutor’s office remained tight-lipped about the identities of the accused, ensuring that the mysterious figures behind the alleged corruption continue to operate under a thick veil of secrecy.

 New searches were carried out on Monday at European Parliament offices, which are presumably now being thoroughly cleaned for any remaining evidence of shady dealings. The European Parliament, ever the bastion of transparency, has yet to provide any comment on the matter.

Huawei, caught in yet another political firestorm, responded with the usual corporate damage-control statement. The company solemnly declared that it takes the allegations “seriously” and reassured the world that it has a “zero-tolerance policy towards corruption or other wrongdoing.”

Belgian prosecutors have suggested that this alleged influence-buying scheme was not some clumsy, apparent affair but a “very discreet” operation that began in 2021.

 Under the guise of commercial lobbying, payments were allegedly made to politicians who were willing to adopt certain political stances, along with more creative forms of persuasion, such as lavish gifts, fine dining, all-expenses-paid travel, and a steady stream of football match invitations.

While the details remain vague, it appears that European institutions once again find themselves at the centre of yet another bribery scandal, proving that no matter how many regulations are put in place, money and influence will always find a way to combine behind closed doors.