NATO confirmed on Wednesday that several individuals have been arrested in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption involving military procurement contracts, as both Belgian and Luxembourgish authorities launched inquiries.
According to NATO spokesperson Allison Hart, law enforcement agencies in multiple countries detained suspects accused of corrupt practices linked to defence contracts. “NATO — including its Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) — is working closely with law enforcement to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” she stated.
The probe centres on suspicions of irregularities in the awarding of contracts for military equipment, including ammunition and drones. Belgian prosecutors revealed that one individual had been formally arrested in Belgium following anti-corruption raids.
“The investigation concerns potential irregularities in awarding contracts to defence suppliers for NATO,” prosecutors said. “It particularly relates to the alleged leaking of confidential information by NATO Support and Procurement Agency employees, based in Luxembourg, to defence companies competing for the contracts.”
Belgian authorities also indicated that several former staff members of NATO’s procurement body are suspected of involvement.
In Luxembourg, prosecutors confirmed that police had executed a number of searches and seized documents as part of the investigation.
Authorities in Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and the United States coordinated simultaneous operations, which led to the arrests of several individuals connected to the case.
