The Belgian Federal Prosecutor’s Office took action following corruption allegations that emerged last year in NATO’s Luxembourg-based Support and Supply Agency (NSPA). Within the scope of the investigation, 3 former Belgian employees of NSPA were detained. The joint investigation by Belgian publications Knack, Le Soir, Follow the Money and La Lettre played an important role in the progress of the investigation.
Suspicion of Confidential Information Transfer
According to VRT NWS, it is stated that the 3 Belgian suspects detained may have passed confidential information to defence companies trying to conclude high-dollar contracts with NATO. It was stated that these contracts are related to aircraft, helicopters, fuel and ammunition agreements covering the period between 2021 and 2025.
Knack journalist Kristof Clerix, who broke the story, said that one of the suspects was a 60-year-old munitions expert who had set up his own consultancy company after leaving the NATO agency. Clerix stated that the other two suspects were colleagues of this person.
Clerix explained the basis of the investigation as follows: “Defence companies sometimes use the services of a consulting firm to help with tenders. But if this consulting firm is able to obtain inside information, there is no longer a level playing field. What is currently under investigation is: was classified information leaked in Luxembourg? And did the Belgians play a role?”
It is learned that one of the suspects is still under arrest, the second one is wearing electronic handcuffs and the third suspect was released on conditional release. NATO officials declined to comment on the incidents.
