Belgian authorities have raided the administrative offices of three bishops as part of an ongoing child abuse investigation.

Church spokesman Geert Lesage says the offices cooperated during the raids and handed over requested files as much as possible.

In 2010, authorities raided church offices in a move that was highly criticized by the Vatican.

The June raid was declared excessive by a Belgian court, but the government said the investigation could continue.

Lesage said Monday, January 16 it is still unclear what exactly the authorities were seeking.

Over the past two years, more than 500 witnesses have come forward with accounts of molestation by Catholic clergy in Belgium, spanning several decades.

The Belgian church is also leading an investigation into the allegations, AP reported.