Belgian authorities search EU staffer’s office and home over Russia propaganda suspicions

Belgian Investigators Search European Parliament Staffer’s Home and Offices

In a recent development, Belgian investigators conducted searches at the home and offices of a European Parliament staffer suspected of involvement in spreading Russian propaganda prior to the EU assembly election.

Search and Investigation

According to reports, the searches took place at the staffer’s residence in Brussels and office at the European Parliament. Additionally, French judicial authorities searched the individual’s office at the European Union’s assembly in Strasbourg.

Probe into Russian Interference

The searches were part of an ongoing investigation into potential Russian interference. The prosecutor’s office mentioned that the searches are related to interference, passive corruption, and alleged membership in a criminal organization.

Evidence suggests that members of the European Parliament were approached and compensated to promote Russian propaganda through the news site Voice of Europe.

Identity of the Staffer

While the name of the staffer under investigation was not disclosed by the prosecutor’s office, sources have identified the individual as Guillaume Pradoura. Pradoura, a former assistant to EU lawmaker Maximilian Krah, is currently working for Dutch far-right lawmaker Marcel de Graaff.

De Graaff expressed surprise over the searches, emphasizing that he has no involvement in any alleged Russian disinformation activities.

Background of the Probe

The search is linked to a probe initiated following revelations by Czech intelligence about a network suspected of utilizing EU lawmakers to propagate Russian propaganda. Belgian prosecutors began investigating after evidence surfaced indicating that some lawmakers were receiving payments to promote Kremlin propaganda.

With ongoing investigations, more details are expected to emerge regarding the extent of Russian interference in European affairs.