Did Qatar bribe for influence in Europe before FIFA world cup? Probe shows yes

Qatar: The charges came two days after police arrested four people and seized computers, mobile phones and £515,000 in cash.

Belgian prosecutors investigating allegations that Qatar sought to influence EU policy by bribing European parliament officials have charged four people with money laundering, corruption and participating in a criminal organisation, a report said.

Qatar: European Union flags outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. (REUTERS File Photo)

The charges came two days after police arrested four people and seized computers, mobile phones and £515,000 in cash during searches at 16 properties across Brussels, Guardian reported.

In one of the biggest corruption cases in the parliament’s recent history, Belgium’s federal prosecutor said Qatar used bribes and gifts to try to influence decisions at the legislature.

“Four individuals have been arrested by the Brussels investigating judge who’s leading the investigation. They are charged with participation in a criminal organisation, money laundering and corruption. Two persons have been released by the investigating judge," the statement said.

A Qatari official denied accusations of possible misconduct and said the country worked in full compliance with international laws. “Any association of the Qatari government with the reported claims is baseless and gravely misinformed," he said according to the Guardian.

On Belgium's decision to charge four people, European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said it was "very worrisome.

"Certainly the news is very, very worrisome," he said adding that the investigation did not target anyone from the EU's diplomatic service.

"There is nothing and no-one being referred to neither from the External Action Service nor from the delegations," he said.