A Brussels investigative judge indicted the spokesperson for Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden and the Dutch-speaking spokesperson for the Brussels prosecutor’s office on suspected breaches of professional secrecy tied to the I-Police dossier.

An associated article suggests a potential conflict of interest within Verlinden’s cabinet is being discussed in relation to the I-Police scandal.

The case centers on alleged attempts to spy on the Brussels public prosecutor’s office via communications channels connected to the Justice Ministry and its cabinet.

A recent trip was funded over a negative finding from the Financial Inspection, prompting scrutiny.

The trip’s expenses strained the administration’s budget.

Deputies demanded clear parliamentary answers about cost justification and ministerial accountability for public expenditures.

The Budget Minister’s office underscored the importance of strong ties with the United Arab Emirates for international crime cooperation, noting the trips’ perceived significance.

Verlinden appealed the negative opinion to Budget Minister Vincent Van Peteghem, who approved it provided full reimbursement of the extra costs.

Debt for the trip was partially funded by the SPF Justice, covering 15,000 of the 21,000 euros.

Earlier in the year Verlinden faced scrutiny over the issue, with investigations limited to parliamentary hearings and a Court of Audit audit request funded by majority parties.

Anders highlighted the high cost, calling it nearly 25,000 euros and criticizing it as excessive, while questioning how many scandals a minister must endure before resigning.

Opposition parties and the MR coalition partner call for a joint session of the Interior and Justice committees to address the issue promptly.