European Parliament begins investigation into bribery allegations against three MEPs

European Parliament begins investigation into bribery allegations against three MEPs

2011-03-22 23:47:49 GMT+7 (ICT)

BRUSSELS (BNO NEWS) -- The European Parliament on Tuesday began an investigation into the bribery allegations against three Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).

On Sunday, allegations surfaced against Ernst Strasser (Austria), Zoran Thaler (Slovenia) and Adrian Severin (Romania). The three MEPs allegedly received around $142,000 (€100,000) in bribes per year.

Strasser and Thaler resigned from the European Parliament on Monday, while Severin is expected to step down shortyl. The scheme was reported by the Sunday Times newspaper.

The three MEPs allegedly took the bribes in exchange of favoring certain legislations. The three EU lawmakers have denied all accusations. Thaler said that his rasgination was decided to allow the process to go through and demonstrate his innocence.

"I would like that the truth comes out and that it shows who acted legally and who illegally," said Thaler in a statement.

Strasser is the former Austria's Interior Minister and member of the centre-right European People's Party. Thaler is member of the centre-left Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group. Severin is no longer part of S&D.

The case surfaced after Sunday Times reporters posed as lobbyists looking for politicians to amend EU legislations. Strasser, Thaler and Severin agreed to do in in exchange for the annual illegal fee.

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