A report released on October 21 by a consortium of investigative outlets has uncovered a "tentacular" system of corruption involving the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), based in Luxembourg. The investigation also suggests that certain judicial dismissals may have been politically motivated.
The corruption scheme centers on the role of advisors, many of them former NSPA officials who mediate transactions between industrial suppliers and the agency. The investigation revealed four alleged cases of corruption involving individuals of various nationalities. In two of the cases, the bribes amounted to more than US$1 million to secure contracts or to obtain secret documents that could influence tenders (i.e. a formal offer or bid). Some of these tenders were connected to US interests. Between February and May 2025, the scandal led to a dozen arrests across seven European countries, although some cases were later dropped with little explanation.
Corruption has been a persistent issue across Europe, impacting political, business, and social systems.
From high-profile scandals involving powerful politicians to complex money laundering schemes, these cases have shaken public trust and revealed systemic vulnerabilities. Europe's biggest corruption scandals have often exposed the intricate relationships between governments, businesses, and financial institutions, highlighting the ease with which public funds can be misused.
Click on to explore some of the most significant and far-reaching corruption cases across the continent.