France, March 14 -- The authorities in Belgium have intensified their crackdown on corruption within European institutions, launching a series of raids in connection with political misconduct and lobbying groups.

Belgian police launched a series of sweeping operations on Thursday, raiding multiple locations across the country as part of an investigation into suspected corruption disguised as commercial lobbying.

According to Belgium's federal prosecutor's office, several individuals have been taken in for questioning over their "alleged involvement in active corruption within the European Parliament, as well as forgery and the use of forgeries".

The large-scale operation involved around 100 police officers and saw some 21 searches - co...