Brussels, Belgium — February 11, 2026 — Belgian authorities have detained a man and carried out multiple raids in the heart of the Belgian capital after discovering large sums of cash in suitcases during an anti-corruption operation tied to a prolonged investigation into alleged illicit financing linked to the European Parliament.
According to local media reports, law enforcement officials acting under the Belgian Anti-Corruption Bureau executed at least 17 coordinated searches across Brussels on Friday, targeting residences and properties connected to individuals suspected of involvement in illegal financing activities.
Cash Found in Suitcases and Homes
The investigation led to the discovery of substantial amounts of money packed in bags and suitcases, including at the home of a former member of the European Parliament. At least one suspect was detained overnight after bags filled with cash were found in his residence, according to Belgian media accounts.
In the initial stage of the operation, investigators also reportedly arrested the father of a prominent political figure as he attempted to flee with a suitcase of cash — allegedly carrying “several hundred thousand euros” — outside a hotel in Brussels.
Authorities have stressed that suspects remain presumed innocent until proven guilty, and that formal charges have yet to be read in court. Detained individuals are being held for up to 48 hours pending a decision by a judge on whether to issue formal arrest warrants.
Wider Corruption and Investigation Background
The cash seizures are linked to a long-running corruption investigation that began with a high-profile scandal involving the European Parliament. The probe originally unfolded after raids in December 2022, when police uncovered millions of euros in cash during searches connected to accusations of influence peddling and foreign financing.
During those earlier operations, police discovered large sums of money — including more than €600,000 in cash recovered from locations tied to key suspects, and additional bags of cash at homes and hotel rooms — leading to multiple arrests.
That scandal, widely reported at the time, highlighted concerns about transparency and financial accountability at the highest levels of European institutions. The renewed activity in 2026 suggests that Belgian authorities continue to pursue the case and uncover evidence in related allegations.
Public Reaction and Next Steps
The discovery of large amounts of cash in suitcases has reignited public debate over corruption and financial misconduct involving political figures and their associates. Law enforcement officials have indicated that ongoing analysis of financial records, communications, and physical evidence will inform whether formal charges are brought and expanded investigations are warranted.
As this story develops, further details are expected to emerge once prosecutors decide on arrest warrants and possible indictments against those detained.
This article is based on reports from Belgian media outlets and official statements from authorities involved in the investigation. Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.