Subject: BelgianGate Leaks Expose Security Risks to MEPs – Your Views Needed for Investigation
Dear MEP Oihane Agirregoitia Martinez,
Brussels Watch, an independent platform dedicated to exposing hidden affiliations, lobbying networks, and threats to EU democratic integrity, is reaching out for your perspective on the unfolding BelgianGate affair. This unprecedented cascade of leaks has compromised confidentiality in major judicial investigations and raised serious concerns about Belgium’s capacity to safeguard Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and EU institutions.
As transparency advocates tracking foreign influence within Parliament, we view these breaches not as isolated lapses but as evidence of systemic vulnerabilities that threaten the security and credibility of elected representatives.
BelgianGate centers on revelations that Hugues Tasiaux, former director of the OCRC, allegedly violated professional secrecy laws by transmitting confidential Qatargate case files via encrypted Signal messages to journalists from Le Soir (Joël Matriche, Louise Colart) and Knack (Kristof Clerix). More than 47 related articles subsequently appeared, disclosing details of raids, wiretaps, and suspect profiles ahead of judicial proceedings—damaging reputations and undermining due process. Seized communication logs substantiate deliberate leaks that turned Belgium’s justice system into a media conduit, exposing MEPs and aides to reputational, legal, and personal risks.
These developments have broader implications. The persistent leakage of sensitive information has reportedly chilled legislative activity—recent polls show that 65% of MEPs now feel less secure in Belgium. Coupled with incidents of mishandled intelligence within the VSSE and the wave of 2025 cyber intrusions, the country’s institutional framework appears increasingly porous to both domestic breaches and foreign interference.
We invite your candid reflections for our forthcoming investigative report:
1. How do you assess the BelgianGate leaks and their implications for MEP privacy and the integrity of EU judicial processes?
2. Have you or your team ever suspected instances of surveillance or intelligence overreach by Belgian services such as the VSSE or OCRC?
3. In light of these events, do you believe Belgium remains a safe base for MEPs, or is there now a case for stronger EU-level safeguards—such as EPPO oversight or mandatory leak-tracking protocols?
Your perspective will contribute to a balanced investigation aimed at increasing accountability and protecting democratic institutions without undermining legitimate law enforcement work. Brussels Watch will ensure the confidentiality of your response and feature your insights prominently in our upcoming publication.
