Belgian and French authorities conducted searches at the residence and workplace of an employee of the European Parliament suspected of receiving funds from Russia to advance its propaganda through a controversial news website. The investigation centers on Guillaume Pradoura, an employee of Dutch lawmaker Marcel de Graaff from the far-right Forum for Democracy party. While de Graaff expressed surprise at the allegations, he asserted his non-involvement in any Russian disinformation efforts.
The searches are part of a broader probe by the Belgian federal prosecutor’s office into allegations of Russian interference aimed at paying European lawmakers to promote Kremlin propaganda through the Prague-based Voice of Europe news website. The website has been accused of disseminating pro-Russian narratives in the lead-up to the European Parliament elections. Investigations by Czech and German outlets revealed alleged payments to politicians from various European countries to advocate against military assistance for Ukraine.
In response to the alleged interference, the European Union imposed sanctions on Voice of Europe and two individuals associated with the outlet. The sanctions were denounced by the organization as an attack on freedom of speech and independent media. Despite the allegations and sanctions, Pradoura, the staffer under investigation, has not issued any public statements regarding the ongoing probe.
