Two other MEPs are threatened with loss of immunity

In the EU corruption scandal, two other MPs have been targeted by investigators. They are also said to have received benefits from Qatar. The Social Democrats Tarabella and Cozzolino are now threatened with losing their immunity.

In the corruption scandal in the European Parliament, two other MEPs are about to lose their immunity. The Judiciary Committee of the EU People's Representation voted unanimously in Brussels to allow criminal investigations against the Belgian MP Marc Tarabella and the Italian Andrea Cozzolino.

Possible influence of Qatar and Morocco

Finally, the plenary session of the European Parliament will decide on Thursday. The Belgian judiciary had requested that the immunity of the two Social Democrats be lifted.

Tarabella is suspected of receiving perks from the Gulf state of Qatar. Cozzolino is also said to have been influenced by Morocco. "I have never received any money or gifts in exchange for my political views," Tarabella wrote in an email to some MPs obtained by AFP.

Cozzolino also denies the allegations.

S&D group has excluded Tarabella

The social democratic S&D group has two fewer MEPs. The membership of Belgian MP Marc Tarabella was suspended last week, as the parliamentary group announced on Twitter. In addition, the Italian Andrea Cozzolino left the group of his own accord.

So far, 1.5 million euros in cash seized

At Tarabella, the investigators had also searched his private rooms as part of raids in December.

Until recently, one of the main suspects in the corruption affair, Francesco Giorgi, worked for Cozzolino. Giorgi is in custody alongside three other suspects. This also includes his partner, the deposed Vice President of Parliament Eva Kaili.

The Belgian judiciary accuses them of corruption, membership in a criminal organization and money laundering.

A total of 1.5 million euros in cash was seized in the scandal.