United StatesOwnership & classification
Founded: 2006
Ownership
The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project was founded in 2006 by journalists Drew Sullivan and Paul Radu as a global investigative-journalism network. It is run as a nonprofit, registered in 2012 under the name Journalism Development Network, and operates as a consortium of member outlets rather than being owned by any individual or company.
Funding
OCCRP is grant-funded. The single largest source historically has been the U.S. government (State Department, USAID and the National Endowment for Democracy), which provided roughly half its budget over 2014-2023, alongside the Soros-founded Open Society Foundations and other philanthropies; it does not run on advertising. After 2025 it moved to reduce reliance on U.S. government money.
Affiliation & stance
OCCRP says it maintains editorial independence and donors do not control coverage, and it is widely cited for cross-border corruption investigations. Critics note its heavy past dependence on U.S. government grants; on balance it is a donor- and grant-funded nonprofit not controlled by a party, owner or state directing its journalism, so it is classified INDEPENDENT (center to center-left).
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Left
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 63
78/100
Factual
76/100
Objective
85
Articles
85
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
Spain’s Supreme Court Sentences Former Minister to 24 Years in Landmark Pandemic Graft Case
Serbia's populist President Vucic says he will resign within weeks as election nears
Spanish judge orders prime minister's wife to face corruption trial and surrender her passport
Russian generals' assassinations expose growing rift inside Putin's security apparatus
How governments enable kleptocrats by doing nothing
Brazil's police targets a close ally of President Lula in sprawling fraud probe
Iraq Intensifies Anti-Graft Drive with Dozens of High-Profile Arrests, Asset Seizures
Europol: EU Crime Networks Regenerate Fast
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Experts Say Google's Recent Scam Lawsuit May Have Limited Impact
Recent coverage
Lead Iran negotiator tells allies Tehran will go to war again if U.S. does not fulfill commitments
Iran's parliament speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned allies China and Belarus that Iran would consider resuming hostilities if the U.S. fails to uphold commitments outlined in a recent memorandum of understanding. This statement came during meetings in Tehran with delegations from China and Belarus, who were present for the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Ghalibaf emphasized Iran's expectation of non-interference by the U.S. in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route previously disrupted by conflict. He also discussed strengthening economic ties with China, highlighting its role as a major buyer of Iranian oil and a potential strategic ally. Recent tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalated after an attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to reciprocal military actions before both sides agreed to de-escalate and hold indirect talks in Doha.
Former Kyrgyz Security Chief Sentenced for Trying to Violently Seize Power
A Kyrgyz court has sentenced former security chief Kamchybek Tashiev to four years in prison for attempting to violently seize power from President Sadyr Japarov. The conviction follows an open letter, known as the 'Letter of 75,' which called for early presidential elections. While Tashiev did not sign the letter, President Japarov claimed it was part of a coordinated coup attempt and removed Tashiev from his positions. The court later commuted the sentence to a three-year probation period. Tashiev's legal team plans to appeal the ruling, and similar sentences were imposed on two other high-profile figures. This marks a significant break in the once-powerful political partnership between Tashiev and Japarov.
Companies Awarded Security Contracts in Mexico's Largest Airport Had Ties to Alleged Gun Traffickers
This article reports on findings by the OCCRP media partner Mexicans Against Corruption and Impunity (MCCI) regarding security companies contracted at Mexico City International Airport that have ties to individuals suspected of gun trafficking. The companies SERPROSEP SA de CV and Armour King SA de CV were awarded three-year security contracts in 2022. Both companies are linked to Jorge Enrique Alberts Ponce, who faces a federal arrest warrant for alleged involvement in organized crime, including firearms trafficking. Sainz de la Maza Zúñiga, another individual connected to these companies, is named in the investigation but is not wanted by authorities. The article highlights challenges in obtaining updated company records due to Mexican legal requirements and notes that the companies deny any connection to the suspects.
Businessman Who Allegedly Posed as CIA Agent Wooed Indonesian President and His Brother
A businessman named Gaurav Srivastava, who allegedly impersonated a CIA agent, developed close ties with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and his brother. Srivastava reportedly participated in high-level military discussions with Prabowo while serving as defense minister and secured several preliminary agreements for major defense procurements, including fighter jets, helicopters, and command centers. These agreements were formalized through Letters of Intent and Memoranda of Understanding between Srivastava's companies and Indonesia's Defense Ministry. However, none of these agreements led to actual purchases. Srivastava denies allegations of posing as a CIA agent, calling them 'gross fabrications' by his former partner Niels Troost, who had previously faced sanctions for trading Russian oil. The Indonesian Ministry of Defense acknowledged the agreements but emphasized they were non-binding and conducted under strict regulatory oversight.
Trump Claimed to Run Venezuela. After Earthquakes, He’s Walking That Back.
Following the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, U.S. President Donald Trump initially asserted that the U.S. would 'run' Venezuela, declaring 'we're in charge.' However, after two major earthquakes struck Venezuela, causing significant casualties and destruction, Trump shifted to offering limited humanitarian assistance rather than asserting direct control. A U.S. government official suggested that Trump's response does not reflect the extent of U.S. influence over Venezuela, which they describe as a 'vassal state.' Meanwhile, Venezuelan American organizations and progressive foreign policy groups plan to request substantial, unconditional humanitarian aid from the Trump administration, citing U.S. responsibility for the crisis caused by sanctions and military actions. These groups argue that U.S. aid must match the scale of the harm inflicted. Trump has previously claimed that the U.S. has profited significantly from Venezuela's oil resources, recovering war costs 28 times over, but critics highlight economic analyses indicating that U.S. policies have exacerbated Venezuela's struggles.
Businessman accused of masterminding Caruana Galizia assassination stands trial in Malta
Yorgen Fenech, a Maltese businessman and heir to a property empire, is standing trial for his alleged involvement in the 2017 assassination of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Caruana Galizia was killed by a car bomb planted under her vehicle, an attack linked to her investigations into corruption in Maltese politics and business. Fenech, who was arrested in 2019, denies the charges of complicity and criminal association. He is the last of seven men to face trial over the case. The murder sparked international outrage, and a 2021 inquiry concluded that Malta’s former prime minister and cabinet created an environment of impunity that contributed to the lack of accountability for her killing. Five other individuals have already been convicted in connection with the assassination, while a sixth received a pardon in exchange for testimony. Caruana Galizia had been investigating a controversial power station deal involving Fenech at the time of her death.
Libyan Authorities Weaponize Xenophobic Rhetoric to Justify Mass Migrant Expulsions, HRW Warns
Libya's rival governments in the east and west have intensified anti-migrant rhetoric and launched a coordinated campaign of mass detentions and expulsions of migrants and refugees, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW). Both administrations have used inflammatory language to justify the actions, leading to widespread xenophobic protests, including demonstrations outside the UNHCR office in Tripoli. Despite the UN clarifying that there are no plans to permanently settle migrants in Libya, the crackdown has continued, with reports of thousands being held in inhumane conditions and expelled. Meanwhile, the European Union is expanding its migration cooperation with Libya, raising concerns that it may be enabling further human rights abuses.
Ukraine's drones take the war to Russia
Ukrainian forces have intensified their use of drones to strike deep into Russian territory, targeting refineries and other strategic locations. This marks a significant escalation in the conflict, bringing the war closer to Russian civilians and impacting both military and civilian infrastructure. President Zelensky announced a '40-day influence operation' aimed at pressuring Russia into negotiating a peace deal, citing the growing strain on Russian resources and morale. Recent attacks included a major strike on 12 regions of Russia and Crimea, with reports of explosions at a chemical plant in Tula and a large refinery fire in Moscow. The attack followed similar strikes on other Russian refineries, raising concerns about long-term energy supply disruptions. Meanwhile, Russian leadership remains defiant, with President Putin dismissing the effectiveness of Ukrainian drone campaigns and insisting Russia is prepared to negotiate on its terms. U.S. involvement remains complex, with former President Trump expressing skepticism about Putin’s willingness to engage in meaningful diplomacy.
Finnish Court Jails Businessman Over Exports to Russia
A Finnish court has sentenced Risto Riihimäki, CEO of a transport company based in Lappeenranta, to three years and eight months in prison for violating EU sanctions by exporting trucks and trailers to Russia. The court determined that the vehicles, originally claimed to be destined for Turkey and Kazakhstan and only transiting through Russia, ultimately reached Russian territory. The company, now operating under the name Rent ja Kalusto Oy, was ordered to forfeit approximately 600,000 euros in criminal proceeds and property valued at 6 million euros to the state. Riihimäki maintained that he believed the vehicles were intended for Kazakhstan and has stated his intention to appeal the ruling.
EU observers back Colombia vote count amid challenge to results
The European Union's election observation mission confirmed the transparency and efficiency of Colombia's vote-counting process in the recent presidential runoff election, despite challenges raised by President Gustavo Petro and his ally, progressive candidate Iván Cepeda. The EU team, composed of around 150 observers, found no irregularities during their monitoring of both the May first-round and the June runoff election, where conservative candidate Abelardo de la Espriella led by approximately 1 percentage point. Petro and Cepeda have disputed the results, alleging fraud and requesting recounts at over 30,000 polling stations. Over 26 million voters participated in the runoff, with many opting for a third 'no-name' choice or casting blank ballots. The election comes amid concerns over potential renewed internal conflict, with both candidates proposing differing approaches to prevent past levels of violence. The EU mission will continue observing the recount and plans to release a final report in September.
Liberian Senate Grills Police About $19M Airport Cocaine Bust
In Liberia, public frustration is growing over the lack of progress in investigating a significant cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport. The 237.6 kg of cocaine, valued at around $19 million, was discovered in June 2026 during a customs inspection. While the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) praised the bust as a breakthrough in combating transnational drug trafficking, critics argue that law enforcement has failed to provide updates or make arrests. Senior police officials, including Inspector General Gregory Coleman, assured the Liberian Senate that arrests would soon follow, but skepticism remains due to the absence of concrete action. Religious leaders and lawmakers have raised concerns about potential cover-ups, citing the country's position as a key trafficking route in West Africa according to UNODC data. In response to public pressure, President Joseph Boakai has taken steps to address the issue through a joint national security investigation.
Most-Wanted Southern Cone Drug Trafficking Suspect Gets Trial Date in the US
A U.S. District Judge in Virginia has scheduled a trial for Sebastián Marset, a top drug trafficker from the Southern Cone region, for January 11, 2027. Marset, a Uruguayan national with multiple aliases, was arrested in Bolivia in March 2025 and extradited to the U.S., where he faces money laundering charges and more severe drug trafficking and narcoterrorism accusations. Prosecutors requested a delay to secure visas for foreign witnesses, but the judge rejected this, opting for an earlier trial date. Marset's defense team, including new attorney Robert Feitel, argues the extradition process was irregular and claims his legal team failed to adequately represent him. Marset also alleges that DEA agents attempted to extort his family for access to his cryptocurrency assets. The case involves complex logistical challenges due to the need for foreign witnesses and translated documents.
EU Prosecutor Raids Far-Right European Parliament Group Over Alleged Fraud
European prosecutors conducted raids across several countries as part of an investigation into alleged misuse of EU funds by the now-defunct far-right Identity and Democracy (ID) group in the European Parliament. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) confirmed the raids, which took place in France, Spain, Italy, and Belgium, but did not provide further details to avoid compromising the investigation. The probe focuses on suspected financial misconduct involving ID group members, including France's National Rally (led by Marine Le Pen) and Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD). The investigation follows an internal European Parliament audit that found ID-linked parties allegedly spent over €4 million improperly between 2019 and 2024 using inflated contracts and irregular procurement methods. This case resembles a previous conviction in March 2025 where Le Pen and others were found guilty of misusing EU funds, resulting in a five-year ban from political office for Le Pen.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
