Beneath the phrases of the deal, Panzeri will obtain a “diminished sentence” with an unspecified jail time. He will even have property confiscated. The assertion from Belgian prosecutors notes that that is solely the second time in Belgian authorized historical past that the “pentiti legislation” — a reference to Italian legal guidelines permitting investigation into the mafia — has been used.
Information of Panzeri’s cooperation is the most recent twist in a widening corruption probe that’s already being known as probably the most vital E.U. scandal in current reminiscence.
After a collection of police raids in December, Panzeri and a number of other others had been charged on suspicion of cash laundering, corruption and participating in a legal group on behalf of an unnamed “Gulf State,” extensively reported to be Qatar.
The opposite suspects embrace Eva Kaili, a Greek member of the European Parliament who was till final month one of many physique’s 14 vice presidents, and her associate, parliamentary assistant Francesco Giorgi. Kaili’s lawyer stated she maintains her innocence. Qatar denies involvement.
Though the small print of the alleged fraud are nonetheless coming to gentle, Belgian police discovered greater than 1.5 million euros ($1.59 million) in money unfold between houses and a resort. Ten parliamentary workplaces have been sealed. Authorities tweeted pictures exhibiting a suitcase full of wads of money.
On Monday, the European Parliament started the method of lifting the immunity of two further members, which might enable them to be interviewed as a part of the probe.
The case — and its mafia-like particulars — has shaken the de facto capital of the European Union, elevating questions on corruption and affect peddling, significantly within the European Parliament, and resulting in recent requires ethics oversight.
High E.U. officers have promised to toughen ethics guidelines, although these efforts are nonetheless in early phases — and face criticism for being too weak.
