According to an agreement with the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the alleged mastermind of the EU corruption scandal, Pier Antonio Panzeri, could be sentenced to prison, but according to his lawyer, most could be suspended on parole. The prison sentence totals five years, of which Panzeri must remain in prison for a year or wear an ankle bracelet, his lawyer Laurent Kennes told Belgian broadcaster RTL today.
signed agreement
Former deputy Panzeri yesterday signed an agreement with the Public Prosecutor’s Office in which he undertakes to make a global contribution to clarifying the corruption scandal. This is a supposed influence of Qatar and Morocco in the political decisions of the European Parliament. In addition to Panzeri, several other suspects were arrested in Belgium in December. They are accused of involvement in a criminal organization, money laundering and corruption.
The agreement with the prosecutor’s office now provides that Panzeri will have to spend less time in prison and pay a fine in exchange for his collaboration. In addition, all assets acquired from him, currently valued at one million euros, will be confiscated.
First hearing scheduled for Friday
Panzeri has not been heard from since the signing, his lawyer said today. The first hearing is set for Friday, with three or four more to follow. “He will explain everything.”
According to information from the newspaper “L’Echo”, Panzeri has already said that he gave Belgian MEP Marc Tarabella more than 120,000 euros in cash in various installments for his help in Qatar. Belgian investigators had already searched the Social Democrat’s home in December and subsequently asked parliament to lift his immunity.