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Thursday, Oct 02, 2025

Who’s who in the Qatar corruption scandal?

Who’s who in the Qatar corruption scandal?

Allegations of Qatari influence on European democracy reach the upper echelons of the European Parliament.

Suitcases of cash. Phones and computers seized. A senior politician arrested. 

The sprawling police probe into allegations of “criminal organization, corruption and money laundering” has rocked the European Parliament and the Brussels bubble. The list of people under investigation by Belgian and Italian police continues to grow.

Here’s what we know so far:


Eva Kaili

Position: Former European Parliament vice president from Greece, who was removed from the role Tuesday afternoon.
Investigation status:
Charged by Belgian police. Still in Brussels jail.


Alexandros Kailis

Position: Eva Kaili’s father.
Investigation status: Arrested but released by Belgian police.


Francesco Giorgi

Position: Kaili’s partner and adviser on the Middle East and North Africa to Andrea Cozzolino MEP.
Investigation status: Imprisoned and charged by Belgian police.


Pier Antonio Panzeri

Position: Italian ex-MEP and President of NGO Fight Impunity.
Investigation status: Charged by Belgian police.


Maria Colleoni

Position: Wife of Pier Antonio Panzeri.
Investigation status: Arrested by Italian police.


Silvia Panzeri

Position: Daughter of Pier Antonio Panzeri
Investigation status: Arrested by Italian police.


Luca Visentini

Position: General secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation.
Investigation status: Arrested by Belgian police.


Unidentified

Position: Aide to MEP Marie Arena
Investigation status: The aide’s office has been sealed by police. Arena has not been questioned but has stepped down as chair of the Parliament’s subcommittee on human rights.


Marc Tarabella

Position: Vice-chair of the European Parliament’s delegation for relations with the Arab Peninsula.
Investigation status: Home raided by Belgian police. He has suspended himself from the Socialists and Democrats group.


Niccolò Figà-Talamanca

Position: Director General of NGO No Peace Without Justice
Investigation status: Charged by Belgian police.

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