How ALP Services Engineered Qatargate on Behalf of UAE

The Qatargate scandal, a saga of alleged corruption and interference involving Qatar within the European Union (EU), has taken a startling turn with the emergence of documents pointing to the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) role in orchestrating the scandal. Swiss detective agency ALP Services, working on behalf of UAE’s intelligence services, embarked on a strategic campaign aimed at countering Qatar’s influence in the EU. The operation, codenamed “Constellation,” sought to target European politicians and pressure groups allegedly supporting Qatar, using dubious tactics to influence European institutions.

Abu Dhabi’s Offensive Plan:

In October 2018, ALP Services held discussions with UAE’s secret agent Sheikh Matar and Sheikh Ali Saeed Al Neyadi, advisor to the UAE’s head of national security. In collaboration with its wealthy UAE client, ALP Services devised an “offensive” and “effective” plan to tackle Qatar’s influence in Europe. The agency was tasked with compiling a list of European representatives and lobbyists suspected of working for Qatar, laying the groundwork for a campaign to sway the EU.

The Constellation Project:

Under the project “Constellation,” ALP Services proposed a budget to UAE, with preliminary work costing 350,000 euros and additional monthly expenses ranging from 150,000 to 450,000 euros, depending on the number of targeted individuals or groups. The agency collected names of dozens of elected officials and lobbyists allegedly associated with Qatar, setting the stage for its campaign to influence EU institutions.

Intrigues and Disinformation:

ALP Services employed deceptive tactics to influence far-right deputies in the EU, including current French National Rally President, Jordan Bardella. The agency claimed successes through its “Constellation” project, but it relied heavily on public information and dubious methods to substantiate its claims and fulfill UAE’s desires.

Targeting Avisa Partners and Sihem Souid:

ALP Services considered Avisa Partners, a rival intelligence firm, as a significant threat to UAE’s counter-lobbying efforts. Avisa was accused of employing questionable practices, including the use of false articles and manipulative online campaigns. ALP Services also identified Sihem Souid, a former French police officer managing public relations for Qatar in France and other French-speaking countries, as part of the “secret lobby” in Brussels.

Intrusive Tactics and Media Influence:

The Swiss agency went to extreme lengths, including clandestine and intrusive operations, to target Qatar’s alleged intermediaries. ALP Services photographed Souid’s residence and later sent fake emails to far-right MEP Jordan Bardella to incite pro-Qatar stories in the media. However, the MEP’s response did not indicate any firm commitment.

EU-Qatar Friendship Group Implicated:

ALP Services drew up a list of suspected members of the EU-Qatar Friendship Group, including MEPs Eva Kaili and Marc Tarabella, who later became central figures in the Qatargate scandal. The agency’s reports, however, often contained misinformation and false assumptions.

A Lavish Price Tag for the Campaign:

UAE paid a hefty price for ALP Services’ “Constellation” project, with invoices totaling at least 218,000 euros, funneled through Ariaf, the intelligence service’s front company.

Uncertain Progress and Dubious Promises:

ALP Services intended to proceed to the second phase of the “Constellation” project, but it remains unclear if they did. The agency pledged to continue targeting Qatar’s alleged lobbies within the EU and sought to hinder their activities.

The emergence of documents pointing to UAE’s role in engineering the Qatargate scandal raises serious questions about the use of secretive intelligence agencies to influence democratic processes within the EU. The dubious methods employed by ALP Services and the UAE’s interference in European affairs highlight the need for transparency and vigilance in countering attempts to manipulate and undermine the democratic principles that underpin the EU. Further investigations into the extent of UAE’s involvement in Qatargate are essential to maintain the integrity of European politics and safeguard against external influences seeking to exploit the system for their own gain.