Russian Influence Probe: Police Raids on EU Offices and Dutch MEP Aide’s Home
A Belgian prosecutor has revealed that a staff member allegedly played a significant role in a suspected Russian propaganda operation that infiltrated the European Parliament. The incident led to simultaneous raids conducted by Brussels and French police at European Parliament offices in Brussels and Strasbourg, as well as at the home of a parliamentary staffer in the Belgian neighborhood of Schaerbeek.
Dutch MEP Marcel de Graaff confirmed that the implicated staffer was his parliamentary assistant, Guillaume Pradoura, but denied any involvement in the alleged Russian disinformation operation. De Graaff distanced himself from the accusations and emphasized his own political beliefs. The investigation revealed a tangled web of connections, with Pradoura having previously worked with embattled German MEP Maximilian Krah, who is also under investigation for Chinese espionage.
The raids are part of a wider probe into a suspected Russian influence operation that allegedly paid sitting Members of the European Parliament to promote pro-Kremlin propaganda from within EU institutions in Brussels. The prosecutor confirmed that the staffer in question played a significant role in the operation, which involves interference, passive corruption, and membership in a criminal organization.
The searches are linked to the case of Voice of Europe, a Dutch-listed news company that was recently sanctioned by the EU for spreading Kremlin propaganda. The company claimed to offer uncensored news but was found to have ties to a Russian influence operation. Czech authorities uncovered financial transactions to elected officials in the European Parliament and national parliaments, implicating politicians from several EU countries.
The investigation has raised concerns ahead of the European Parliament elections, with fears of Kremlin interference in the democratic process. The European Greens’ lead candidate, Terry Reintke, warned against the influence of right-wing forces allegedly linked to Russian interests, emphasizing the need for transparency and integrity in the electoral process.