Belgium issues arrest warrant for Dimitris Avramopoulos as part of “Qatargate” investigation

As part of the investigation into the corruption scandal known as “Qatargate,” which has shaken the institutions of the European Union, Belgian authorities have issued an arrest warrant for former European Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos.

This development was confirmed by a Greek government official and has also been reported by Belgian media as well as other media outlets in Greece. The investigation, which began in 2022, focuses on suspicions that several EU officials received bribes from Qatar to influence the bloc’s policies and decision-making. “Qatargate” is described as one of the biggest corruption scandals to have affected European institutions in recent decades.

During the investigative procedures, authorities in Belgium carried out searches and seized around 1.5 million euros in cash, including an amount found in a suitcase at a hotel in Brussels. Avramopoulos, a Greek citizen who served as European Commissioner for Migration until 2019, is currently an MP for the Nea Democracia party in the Greek parliament.

Investigators have focused on his ties to a non-governmental organization set up by Antonio Panzeri, a former member of the European Parliament and a central figure in the “Qatargate” scandal. Through this organization, the former commissioner is suspected of having received monthly payments worth 5,000 euros.

According to Belgian authorities, he is accused of participating in a criminal organization, while the alleged financial gain is estimated at around 73,000 euros. Avramopoulos has strongly denied the accusations, calling them “completely unfounded.” He has also said that he will seek the lifting of his parliamentary immunity and that he has asked Greece’s Ministry of Justice to ensure the case is fully investigated and that a fair decision is made.