BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- In a significant development related to the “Marocgate” scandal, the Belgian judiciary has issued an arrest warrant against Moroccan ambassador to Poland, Abderrahim Atmoun. The case revolves around accusations of corruption involving senior diplomatic and government figures accused of transferring money to members of the European Parliament to influence decisions in favor of Morocco.
Belgian authorities had previously issued a national notice for the arrest of Abderrahim Atmoun in January, according to police reports. The Moroccan ambassador is implicated in a network of bribery aimed at influencing parliamentarians, as investigated by the Belgian Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The arrest warrant is part of a broader investigation into corruption within the European Parliament, marking one of the most serious scandals to hit EU institutions in decades. The accusations involve the transfer of funds to members of the European Parliament in exchange for political favors.
Abderrahim Atmoun, a former parliamentarian and current Moroccan ambassador to Poland, has been named in connection with the corruption scandal. The investigation suggests his involvement in a criminal organization, alleging that he received money from Moroccan authorities to carry out acts of corruption toward public officials, specifically Members of the European Parliament, with the aim of influencing decisions favorable to Morocco.
The arrest warrant raises questions about the diplomatic immunity of Atmoun, who served as a member of Parliament from 2016 to 2019. During his tenure, he co-chaired the joint parliamentary committee between Morocco and the European Union, raising concerns about potential political interference.
The scandal further implicates Pier Antonio Panzeri, a former union leader and ex-MEP, suspected of politically influencing MEPs on behalf of Qatar and Morocco in exchange for payments. The allegations point to a network of corruption that extends beyond individual actors.
As the investigation continues, the “Marocgate” scandal underscores the importance of transparency and accountability within EU institutions, with implications for the diplomatic landscape between Morocco and Belgium.
