Belgium to launch investigation into police corruption

By Ilayda Cakirtekin

ISTANBUL (AA) - Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin on Wednesday announced the launch of an investigation into potential corruption risks within the federal police force.

"I will never accept that the image of our police force is tarnished. That is why I have instructed the federal police to launch an independent, thorough, and scientific investigation. This investigation must be carried out as soon as possible," Quintin said, according to VRT News.

He vowed "appropriate measures" based on the results, "with the clear objective of achieving zero risk of corruption."

The announcement followed an internal survey published by VRT on Saturday, which found that one in three federal police officers had encountered or witnessed corruption.

Quintin also said the survey dates back to 2022 and that about 27% of federal judicial police employees participated.

About 30% said they had observed potentially risky behavior during their careers, but Quintin stressed this does not mean one in three officers personally encountered corruption, adding that the internal probe’s methodology was inadequate and that an external investigation is needed.

"This doesn't mean the fight against corruption is being abandoned; on the contrary. Citizens must be able to rely on the police anytime, anywhere," he added.