European Parliament’s vice president arrested over corruption allegations

By Ahmet Gencturk

ANKARA (AA) - A vice president of the European Parliament was arrested in Brussels on Friday over corruption allegations, local and European media confirmed.

Eva Kaili, one of the 14 vice presidents of the European legislative body from Greece's central-left PASOK-KINAL party, was held by Belgium police after her house was searched, according to Belgium daily Le Soir.

The Greek Avgi newspaper, meanwhile, said her father was also detained after finding him in possession of a large amount of cash in a suitcase.

Those detained alongside Kaili also included Luca Visentini, secretary general of the International Trade Union Confederation, as well as Pier Antonio Panzeri, a former S&D MEP from Italy who chaired the parliament’s human rights subcommittee.

Britain's Daily Mail, quoting Belgian federal prosecutors, said police searched 16 properties as part of a wider investigation into "criminal organization, corruption and money laundering."

The statement from Belgium prosecutors said: “Today's searches have enabled investigators to recover about 600,000 euros in cash. Computer equipment and mobile phones were also seized. These elements will be analyzed as part of the investigations,” according to the daily.

Kaili has been suspended from the Socialists and Democrats group in the parliament “with immediate effect, in response to the ongoing investigations," the UK newspaper said.

Roberta Metsola, president of the European Parliament, tweeted on Saturday that they stand firmly against corruption.

"At this stage, we cannot comment on any ongoing investigations except to confirm that we have & will cooperate fully with all relevant law enforcement & judicial authorities. We'll do all we can to assist the course of justice," she said.