The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), long regarded as a cornerstone of Western security, is now grappling with an embarrassing and potentially far-reaching corruption scandal. Investigations into its procurement arm, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), have uncovered alleged misconduct involving bribes, misuse of public office, and the leaking of sensitive information for private gain.

Multiple arrests and coordinated raids have taken place across six countries-Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, and the United States-as part of a sweeping investigation overseen by Eurojust, the EU’s agency for judicial cooperation. According to official statements released this week, current and former NSPA officials are suspected of having abused their positions to enrich themselves by rigging defense contracts and illegally sharing confidential information with private defense contractors.

The investigation, first confirmed by NATO officials to the Luxembourg Times on May 13, has rattled the alliance just as it attempts to ramp up military production amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and escalating global tensions. The probe began internally at NATO’s NSPA headquarters in Luxembourg before expanding to involve national authorities and Eurojust.

Police have carried out raids on private residences and offices connected to the suspects. Prosecutors in Luxembourg, where the NSPA is based, confirmed that key documents had been seized related to suspicions of self-enrichment and illicit contract manipulation.

Belgian authorities announced the arrest of two individuals,........

© Blitz