N-VA calls for hearing on corruption within federal police

Member of Parliament Maaike De Vreese is calling for a hearing in the Belgian Chamber of Representatives regarding potential corruption within the federal judicial police. The N-VA wants to hear both the Commissioner General and the author of the Corespo Corruption report. De Vreese is also requesting access to the report itself. “The signals in this report are not new. We cannot simply sweep this under the rug,” she said.

The call comes in response to recent media coverage revealing the contents of the Corespo Corruption report. The allegations are serious: corruption, manipulation by senior officials, artificially lowering crime figures, improper contacts with criminal networks, romantic relationships in the workplace, and favouritism in hiring and promotions.

De Vreese responds firmly: “We support the minister’s request for an external audit. In fact, we’ve been calling for that for some time. Action is urgently needed.”

Not an isolated case

The N-VA points out that this is not an isolated incident. Earlier this year, the Corespo Respect report painted a troubling picture of workplace culture within the federal judicial police. That report, based on a survey of 1,798 staff members working on organised crime, drug offences, financial fraud and corruption, cited toxic leadership, bullying, and inappropriate behaviour.

That’s why the N-VA is requesting a formal hearing in the competent parliamentary committee—to clarify the issues raised and determine what steps will be taken next.