The Belgian Federal Prosecutor’s Office has opened a criminal case on suspicion of large-scale corruption within NATO structures. Investigators are looking into possible fraud with defense contracts, leakage of confidential data and money laundering schemes.
The main object of the investigation is the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), located in Luxembourg. According to the investigation, the agency’s employees passed on sensitive information to contractors in exchange for bribes. We are talking about tenders for the supply of drones, ammunition and other military equipment.
What is known at the moment:
- IN center cases – NSPA (NATO Support and Procurement Agency)
- Key suspicions:
- corruption
- data leak
- money laundering
- participation in a criminal organization
- Investigative actions:
- arrest of one person in Belgium
- Searches in Luxembourg, Spain and the Netherlands
- Three arrests in the Netherlands, including a former defense ministry employee
- Using fictitious consulting companies to conceal financial flows
- In the center are defense contracts concluded in 2023
- The investigation is being coordinated by Eurojust together with the Belgian prosecutor’s office.
- NATO pledges full cooperation with investigation
NATO said the investigation was launched following an internal audit and is now actively cooperating with Belgian and European investigators.
The case has attracted international attention because it concerns NATO’s reputation in defense procurement. As Europe seeks to increase transparency in security spending, the scandal could impact future procurement procedures and internal reforms within the alliance.
The investigation is ongoing and more details and possibly formal charges are expected in the coming weeks.
