Former Belgian PM under investigation

Guy Verhofstadt is under investigation by Belgian federal prosecutors over his supervision of European Parliament interns during his time as liberal group leader.

The period in question

The investigation focuses on two thousand nine to two thousand nineteen, when Verhofstadt chaired the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe group. ALDE was succeeded by Renew Europe after the two thousand nineteen European election.

OLAF and EPPO initiated the probe

The European Anti-Fraud Office and the European Public Prosecutor's Office initiated the investigation, which is now being conducted by Belgian authorities on behalf of the EU bodies.

Verhofstadt's lawyers respond

Verhofstadt's lawyers say OLAF requested information about intern supervision in which he was not personally involved. They state he has not been interviewed and faces no specific allegations.

“Verhofstadt himself has not yet been interviewed, and there are currently no specific allegations against him.”

Cooperation and transparency claimed

Verhofstadt's legal team says he is cooperating fully with OLAF and has provided requested explanations with complete transparency. Verhofstadt declined to comment further to POLITICO.

“He is cooperating fully with OLAF and has provided the requested explanations with complete transparency.”

Prosecutors maintain silence on probe

The European Public Prosecutor's Office said it does not comment on ongoing investigations to avoid endangering procedures and their outcome. The Belgian Federal Prosecutor's Office did not respond to requests for comment.