In addition, the police add the money obtained by NSPA staff through this process “would have been laundered, partly by setting up consultancy companies”. According to VRT NWS, the case could cover hundreds of thousands of euros.
The Belgian Federal Police’s Central Anti-Corruption Service (CDBC) “carried out searches” on Monday in Bredene, West Flanders, the released statement says.
Two people were arrested in Belgium and questioned by the police, the prosecutor’s office stated. The police issued an arrest warrant against one person and released the other. In the meantime, the investigation is ongoing, the statement continues.
Another three people were arrested by the Dutch Public Prosecution, a statement said. One former Dutch defence ministry employee responsible for international purchase contracts was arrested on corruption charges.
Belgium has partnered with other NATO members, including Luxembourg, where the NSPA offices are located. Spain and the Netherlands, as well as the European body responsible for Criminal Justice Cooperation, Eurojust, are involved. The United States and Italy are also in the mix, according to RTL Luxembourg.