📰 OCCRP · 61
United StatesEU Citizen's Company Sent Sanctioned Equipment to Russian Defense Firms
An investigation reveals that an EU citizen-owned company allegedly sent sanctioned equipment to Russian defense firms through intermediaries. The report highlights weaknesses in EU export control mechanisms, as goods can be routed through non-sanctioned countries like Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan before reaching Russia. Some equipment, including CNC lathes and other metalworking machinery, was identified as being exported to Russia via these routes. A company representative denied involvement, while others did not respond to inquiries.
Experts Say Google's Recent Scam Lawsuit May Have Limited Impact
A lawsuit filed by Google against an alleged China-based phishing network may help the company seize reachable infrastructure and make fraud harder for criminals, but experts believe it is unlikely to significantly disrupt the broader scam ecosystem. Cybersecurity expert Chester Wisniewski noted that while increasing friction for fraudsters is valuable, the impact of this legal action may be limited. The case targets an organized operation called the 'Outsider Enterprise,' which allegedly uses Telegram to coordinate phishing activities. The FBI, Google, and Lumen Technologies took coordinated
Brazil's police targets a close ally of President Lula in sprawling fraud probe
Brazil's federal police conducted search and seizure operations targeting Senator Jaques Wagner, a senior member of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's Workers' Party, as part of an ongoing investigation into fraud and graft linked to the defunct Banco Master and its former CEO, Daniel Vorcaro. The operation involved 18 warrants across multiple states and the Federal District. Court documents authorized by Supreme Court Justice André Mendonça indicated potential charges of passive and active corruption and money laundering. Investigators suggested Wagner may have received improper economic好处
Albanian Authorities Target Alleged Cocaine Kingpin's Network
Albanian authorities have seized approximately 150 million euros in assets and issued arrest warrants for alleged cocaine kingpin Dritan Gjika and nine other Albanian citizens involved in international drug trafficking and money laundering. The Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) claims the group operated across multiple countries between 2019 and 2021. Gjika was arrested in Abu Dhabi in May 2025 and awaits extradition to Ecuador, where he is accused of leading Albanian mafia operations. Gjika's legal team has not responded to requests for comment.
Sanctioned Pro-Kremlin Influencer Says She Will Continue with her “Mission”
A U.S. citizen with Russian heritage, Alexandra Jost (known online as 'Sasha Meets Russia'), has been sanctioned by the European Union for spreading pro-Kremlin narratives about the war in Ukraine through lifestyle and cultural content. Despite being banned from platforms like YouTube and Instagram, she remains active on X, where she expressed gratitude to Elon Musk and vowed to continue her 'mission.' The EU accused her of building an extensive following under the guise of cultural coverage while promoting disinformation and supporting Russia's territorial claims.
Kazakh, Czech Police Dismantle Alleged Personal Data Trafficking Channel
Kazakh and Czech police have dismantled an international network involved in the illegal sale of personal data from citizens of Kazakhstan and other former Soviet republics. The operation, conducted in collaboration with multiple agencies, resulted in simultaneous raids in the Czech Republic and several Kazakh cities. Digital devices and cash were seized during the operation. Authorities stated that the group operated a closed online platform offering access to personal data through one-time searches and subscriptions, with roles including coordinators, operators, and financial handlers.
Former Nigerian Oil Minister Cleared of All Bribery Charges in UK Court
A London court has acquitted former Nigerian Petroleum Resources Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke of all bribery charges following a five-month trial. The verdict ends a 13-year U.K. anti-corruption investigation into the former minister, who was accused of accepting bribes from oil executives in exchange for lucrative contracts. During the trial, Alison-Madueke denied taking bribes and claimed she provided advice on interior design and relied on associates for financial support due to restrictions on foreign bank accounts.
Interpol Warns Cybercrime Is Surging Across Asia and South Pacific
Interpol's regional threat assessment indicates that cybercrime now constitutes over 30% of all recorded crimes in more than half of the Asia and South Pacific countries surveyed. Phishing and online scams are identified as the most prevalent and financially damaging threats, with ransomware, DDoS attacks, data breaches, and AI-enabled crime showing rapid growth. The report highlights that many law enforcement agencies lack the necessary forensic tools, specialized training, and technical capacity, leaving developing countries and small island states vulnerable. In 2024, over 135,000 ransomwea
Solomon Islands Suspends Police Chief Who Dumped Drug Evidence into the Sea
The government of the Solomon Islands has suspended the country's police chief, Ian Vaevaso, following an internal investigation that found him guilty of destroying drug evidence, intimidating dissenting officers, and lying to investigators. The suspension was recommended by newly appointed Prime Minister Matthew Wale and approved by the governor-general. Vaevaso was appointed to his position in April 2024 despite prior allegations of misconduct. Previous attempts to address the issue were stalled due to a bureaucratic conflict between prosecutors, the police department, and the Police and Prs
Albanian Drug Trafficking Investigation Overlaps with Probe into Planned Resort that Sparked ‘Flamingo Revolution’
Mass protests in Albania against a planned luxury resort continue, with concerns over mysterious investors. The daughter and son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump have publicly supported the project. Court documents from a drug trafficking investigation reveal that an individual who sold land for the resort is also under scrutiny in the trafficking case. Albania's anti-corruption agency, SPAK, seeks to arrest 20 individuals linked to an international drug trafficking ring. A court order obtained by OCCRP's Albanian partner imposes a 'preventative seizure' on a €110 million bank account,资金据
How a Belarusian Dissident Vanished at Sea
Anatol Kotau, a Belarusian dissident who had fled his country's autocratic regime and sought asylum in Poland, disappeared during a trip to Turkey in August 2025. A joint investigation by the Belarusian Investigative Center (BIC), Deutsche Welle, and OCCRP has uncovered new details about his disappearance using police documents, corporate records, surveillance footage, passenger manifests, border records, satellite imagery, social media posts, and interviews.
Fighting on Two Fronts: Ukraine’s High-Stakes War Against Wartime Corruption
Ukraine is combating both Russia's invasion and systemic corruption within its institutions. Authorities are targeting corrupt officials, including those in the military and intelligence sectors, through agencies like the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). Recent cases include allegations of bribery related to military procurement and asset returns.
Brazil: Ex-President Bolsonaro's Son Sentenced to Four Years over U.S. Lobbying
Brazil's Supreme Court sentenced former lawmaker Eduardo Bolsonaro, son of ex-President Jair Bolsonaro, to four years and two months in prison in absentia for coercing justice and illegally lobbying the U.S. government to interfere in his father's trial. The charges include attempting to influence the Trump administration to prevent his father's conviction through economic measures. Eduardo Bolsonaro denied the allegations, calling the ruling politically motivated.
Azerbaijani Court Replaces Entire Judicial Panel in Meydan TV Trial, Raising Fears of Retrial
An Azerbaijani court has replaced the entire judicial panel handling the trial of twelve journalists from Meydan TV, raising concerns that the trial will need to restart from the beginning. The journalists are being tried on charges of financial crimes, with potential prison sentences of up to 12 years. International human rights organizations have criticized the trial, suggesting the charges are aimed at punishing the journalists for their investigative reporting on high-level corruption. Defense lawyers argue that replacing the entire panel is an attempt to delay the process and exert 'psych
Ex-Spain PM Zapatero Faces Court in Corruption Hearing
Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero testified before Spain's highest criminal court, denying allegations that he was involved in a corruption scheme related to a 53 million euro airline bailout. He faces four charges including influence peddling, money laundering, tax fraud, and smuggling. The investigation includes evidence from U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, which intercepted communications suggesting Zapatero may have been involved in securing the aid for Plus Ultra, an airline linked to Venezuelan businessmen. Zapatero denied having any contact with officials
“There Will Be No Trace”: Russian Payment Agents Tout Sanction-Busting Services on Telegram
The article reports on Russian individuals offering services to help bypass Western sanctions through payments on Telegram. A representative of one such service claimed they could facilitate transactions without leaving a trace of Russian involvement. The article highlights the growing black market for circumventing sanctions imposed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
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OCCRP Joins Tech Pioneer W Social as Media Partner
The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) has formed a strategic partnership with W Social, a new social media platform aimed at countering disinformation and enhancing data privacy. W Social, developed by privacy expert Anna Zeiter, is based on the open AT-Protocol and is hosted in Europe as an alternative to major U.S.-based platforms. OCCRP plans to post content on W Social using the handle @occrp.
World Bank Arm Stands by Iraq Mission Even After Massive Airport Contract Collapses
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), which is part of the World Bank, has stated that it remains committed to supporting economic development in Iraq despite the recent cancellation of a $764 million contract to renovate Baghdad's international airport. The IFC had been involved in advising the Iraqi government on the project since September 2023, along with the U.S. law firm DLA Piper. The IFC emphasized that its work followed strict due diligence and international standards. The cancellation of the project is seen as a major setback for a key public-private partnership aimed at renov
Ahead of World Cup, Mexico Quietly Orders Banks to Tighten Terror-Finance Controls
Ahead of the FIFA World Cup, Mexico's financial intelligence agency has instructed banks and financial institutions to enhance monitoring of transactions potentially linked to terrorism financing and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The non-public directive was issued in April, and experts note that the timing aligns with increased financial activity due to the influx of visitors and heightened economic activity surrounding the event.
Italy Dismantles Underground Bank that Moved €100 Million a year for Organized Crime Groups
Italian authorities have dismantled an underground illegal bank operating since 2021, which moved up to 100 million euros annually to fund drug trafficking and organized crime groups. The bank, headquartered in Prato, had branches across Europe and served Italian mafia organizations such as the 'Ndrangheta, Camorra, and Sacra Corona Unita. A Florence investigating judge issued 41 arrest warrants and seized assets worth over 60 million euros.
FBI Warns Cyber Extortion Group Is Targeting Law Firms
The FBI has issued a warning about a cyber extortion group known as the Silent Ransom Group (SRG), which has been targeting U.S. law firms since spring 2023. The group uses tactics such as impersonating IT workers through phishing emails, phone calls, and even in-person visits to steal sensitive data and threaten to expose it unless a ransom is paid. The FBI notes that law firms are particularly vulnerable due to the confidential nature of their holdings, including client files, legal strategies, and privileged communications. The group has also been referred to by other names, including Luna,
Leaked Files Raise Questions Over Millions Flowing to Belarusian Tycoon
Leaked documents reveal financial transactions involving Belarusian tycoon Aliaksei Aleksin, showing cash flows between his energy firms, Cypriot companies, and his personal bank account through intermediaries like the Pacific Private Bank and Worldclear. Aleksin rose to prominence after being granted control over Belarus' tobacco industry and was later sanctioned by the U.S. and EU for supporting President Alexander Lukashenko's regime.
Rehab by Force in the Middle of a Cartel War
The article describes Nicolás Pérez's rehabilitation center, La Sagrada Familia, which operates as an informal facility in central Mexico. The center uses coercive methods to force individuals struggling with methamphetamine addiction into treatment. The article highlights the lack of public residential drug treatment options and mentions that there are at least 520 such centers in Guanajuato.
Russian Woman Convicted of Lying About Spy Ties, Stalking Agent Gets Prison Time
A Russian woman, Nomma Zarubina, was sentenced to 14 months in prison for lying to the FBI about her connections to Russia's FSB intelligence agency and for naturalization fraud related to running a prostitution business. Prosecutors had sought a longer sentence between 18 to 24 months. Zarubina also faced charges for cyber-stalking a federal agent after her arrest and release on bail.
Lebanon Releases ‘Captagon King’ After Seven-Year Sentence
Hassan Daqqou, a prominent Syrian-Lebanese drug trafficker known as the 'Captagon King,' was released from a Lebanese prison after serving a seven-year sentence for drug manufacturing and trafficking. He was arrested in 2021 in connection with a large shipment of nearly 94 million Captagon pills intercepted in Malaysia. His original life sentence was reduced to seven years following his alleged cooperation with a security agency. Daqqou's lawyer claimed he was a victim of a fabricated media and political campaign, stating no Captagon pills were found on him or his properties. OCCRP obtained 65
London Council Reclaims Social Housing Flat Kept by Sierra Leone’s First Lady
The Southwark Borough Council in London has repossessed a social housing flat previously occupied by Fatima Bio, Sierra Leone's first lady. The flat was originally provided to Bio in 2007 when she resided in London during her career in Nollywood. After her husband became president of Sierra Leone in 2018, the family relocated to the presidential palace in Freetown but retained the keys to the London property. Following an investigation prompted by reports from OCCRP and The Times, the council reclaimed the flat, stating it would be reallocated to a family in genuine housing need.
Cambodia Deports 156 Chinese Nationals over Cyber Fraud
Cambodia has deported 156 Chinese nationals accused of involvement in cyber scams and illegal employment. The General Department of Immigration stated the deportation is part of an effort to eliminate technological crimes in the country. This follows previous actions where over 48,000 foreign nationals were deported for similar reasons since August 2023, along with raids on scam centers.
Cyprus to Auction Off Fugitive Jho Low's Luxury Seaside Villa
Fugitive Malaysian financier Jho Low's luxury seaside villa in Cyprus is set to be auctioned following a confiscation order issued by a Nicosia district court. The Cyprus attorney general's office, along with the country's Unit for Combating Money Laundering, applied to seize the property. This marks the first instance in Cyprus where such an action has been taken without a local court conviction. The move was reportedly made with the consent of Low's legal team. Low remains at large since an Interpol Red Notice was issued in 2016. It is unclear if the proceeds from the auction will go to the
EU Plans Massive 21st Sanctions Package to Target Russian Banks and Crypto
The European Union is set to announce its 21st sanctions package targeting Russia's financial infrastructure, including nearly 90 banks, 30 additional banks, and 11 cryptocurrency platforms suspected of aiding Russia in bypassing Western financial restrictions. The measures also aim to disrupt Russian drone production, clamp down on domestic oil traders, and impose trade controls on 50 non-Russian companies across several countries.
Up to 15 Years in Prison Sought for Azerbaijani Journalists in Deepening Crackdown
An Azerbaijani prosecutor has requested prison sentences of up to 15 years for several independent journalists and activists, including members of Toplum TV, citing financial crimes. The journalists deny the charges, claiming they are retaliatory actions against their critical reporting. International press freedom organizations have condemned the trial as part of a broader crackdown on media in Azerbaijan.
Alumina Exports to Russia Not Included in the EU’s 21st Sanctions Package
Ireland's Foreign Minister Helen McEntee stated that Ireland supports Ukraine and will cooperate fully with the EU Commission regarding an investigation into Aughinish Alumina's supply chain. The investigation is related to concerns that the alumina produced by Aughinish Alumina might be contributing to Russia's military supply chain. Aughinish Alumina claims compliance with EU laws and denies supplying materials to Russia. The discussion occurs amid Ireland's upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union.
European Prosecutors Seize Assets in Italian Subsidy Fraud Probe
European authorities have seized over 305,000 euros in assets across southern Italy as part of an investigation into suspected fraud involving EU pandemic recovery funds. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office stated that a Naples-based company allegedly falsified documents to obtain a 300,000 euro non-repayable loan intended for small businesses' digital and green transitions. Investigators claim the company misused the funds, leading to the confiscation of cars, real estate, and bank funds from five suspects in Naples and Caserta.
Egyptian Tycoon Detained in Organized Crime Probe
Egyptian authorities have detained businessman Sabri Nakhnoukh and frozen his assets, accusing him of leading an organized crime syndicate involved in money laundering, theft, and illegal weapons possession. Prosecutors say the group used a private security firm as a front for its activities. The arrests follow an investigation prompted by a violent incident at a Cairo car dealership. Nakhnoukh, who previously collaborated with state security during the Mubarak era and was pardoned by President Sisi in 2018, now heads Falcon Group, one of Egypt's largest private security firms.
A $57 Billion Toll: How Evolving Scams Are Fleecing Europe
A report by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) reveals that three in four European adults experienced scams in the past year, resulting in an estimated $57 billion in losses. The study highlights the increasing use of AI by criminals to exploit online platforms such as Gmail, WhatsApp, and Facebook. Despite the scale of these scams, only 3% of victims reported them to authorities due to factors like shame, confusion over whom to contact, and perceptions of low value.
Hungarian Prosecutors Vow Action on Graft Claims, but Target Anti-Corruption Chief
Hungary's Integrity Authority, led by Ferenc Pál Biró, has called for an investigation into former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government, alleging a large-scale procurement scheme involving potential fraud of up to 3.5 billion euros. However, Hungarian prosecutors have announced criminal charges against Biró himself, accusing him of misappropriation of funds and related offenses.
U.K. Targets $68M in Properties Owned by China-Born Man with Multiple Citizenships
British prosecutors (the Crown Prosecution Service) have applied for freezing orders on roughly $68 million of London real estate—14 properties, including a $32-million St Johns Wood mansion—purchased between 2021 and 2025 by Yuan Yihua, a man of Chinese origin holding Cypriot, Cambodian and Vanuatu citizenship. Authorities did not state why the properties were targeted, and Yuan has not been sanctioned; the article notes his travel and property links to individuals connected to the Prince Group, a Cambodian conglomerate accused of running scam centers.
Eyes On The Crew: The Russian Watchmen Aboard Moscow's Sanctioned ‘Shadow Fleet’ Tankers
The article discusses the role of individuals like Andrei, a former Russian military officer with a background in security, who are now working aboard Russian 'shadow fleet' tankers. These vessels are used to transport sanctioned Russian oil internationally, circumventing Western sanctions. The article details how these individuals, often listed as 'technicians' or 'supernumeraries,' have military or security experience and are tasked with monitoring the ships' movements and ensuring compliance with their missions.
EU Sanctions Iranian Officials and Revolutionary Guard Unit Over Maritime Disruptions
The European Union has sanctioned two Iranian officials and a unit of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for disrupting maritime traffic in the Middle East, specifically in the Strait of Hormuz. The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans targeting Mohammad Akbarzadeh, the IRGC Navy's deputy commander for political affairs, and Hamid Hosseini, a representative of Iran’s oil and gas exporters' union. These measures are part of an expanded set of restrictive actions against Iran implemented by the EU in late May.
Amnesty Report: Cambodia’s Crackdown on Scam Compounds Failed to Protect Victims
A new Amnesty International report reveals that Cambodia's crackdown on online scam compounds has been largely ineffective, with most compounds remaining untouched and victims failing to receive proper recognition or protection. Researchers identified 86 compounds but found state intervention at only 24. Survivors reported ineffective police raids and potential collusion between law enforcement and compound managers.
Prosecutors Seek Up to Two Years in Prison for Russian Woman Convicted of Lying About Spy Ties
Federal prosecutors in the U.S. have requested a prison sentence of up to two years for Nomma Zarubina, a Russian woman who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about her ties to Russia's FSB intelligence agency and to naturalization fraud related to human trafficking. Zarubina was jailed pre-trial after cyber-stalking an FBI investigator. A government-appointed defense attorney had argued against additional jail time due to her lack of a criminal history and her current incarceration. However, prosecutors are seeking a harsher penalty between 18 to 24 months.
Dutch Cocaine Kingpin Sheltering in Sierra Leone Allegedly Organized Shipment Seized in Record Bust
A Spanish law enforcement official claims that Dutch fugitive Joseph 'Jos' Leijdekkers organized a massive cocaine shipment seized in a record-breaking maritime bust. The vessel, named Arconian, was intercepted in international waters off West Africa carrying over 30 tons of cocaine valued at $954 million. Leijdekkers, listed on the EU's most wanted fugitives list and believed to have a base in Sierra Leone, is accused of orchestrating the transport and supplying the drugs.
As the 2026 World Cup Looms, a Shadow Tournament of Cyber Fraud Begins
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, cybersecurity experts have warned of a significant increase in digital fraud targeting fans. The fraud involves fake tickets, non-existent travel packages, counterfeit merchandise, and deceptive betting and streaming apps mimicking official FIFA sites. Cybercriminals are exploiting the event's popularity to conduct large-scale scams.
Indonesian Deputy Minister Detained in Immigration Extortion Probe
Indonesia's anti-graft agency has detained Deputy Minister of Immigration and Correctional Affairs Silmy Karim and seven other officials on allegations of extortion and accepting illicit gratuities. According to the national news agency Antara, Karim was held after more than 10 hours of questioning in Jakarta regarding his tenure as immigration director-general from January 2023 to October 2024. Investigators allege he extorted foreign nationals seeking residence permits during that period. All eight suspects will face an initial 20-day detention as the investigation proceeds.
Thailand’s Ex-PM Thaksin Freed Early After Royal Pardon
Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to be released early from his prison sentence following a royal pardon. He had been serving a one-year sentence related to abuse of power and conflicts of interest during his 2001–2006 term. Thaksin returned to Thailand from 15 years of self-exile in 2023 and faced controversy regarding potential special treatment during his hospitalization while in custody. As a former telecoms tycoon, Thaksin led a populist political movement with strong support from rural and working-class voters, which made him a target of Thailand's conservative,军
“Predatorgate” Wins Top Award at Second Floodlight Investigative Journalism Game Jam
The investigative journalism game 'Predatorgate,' developed by Izzy Fiacco and Z. Daniel Barnett, has won the top prize at Floodlight Gaming's second investigative journalism game jam. The winners received $5,000 and a spot in SpielFabrique’s Launchpad Program. The game jam aimed to create interactive, in-browser games based on published investigative reports, with collaboration between developers and journalists ensuring accuracy and integrity. The event took place at INDIGO, a Benelux games industry conference in Rotterdam.
Millions in Cash, Gold, and Assault Rifles Seized in Arrest of Iraqi Oil Official
Iraqi anti-corruption authorities arrested Adnan Mohamed Mahmoud, the deputy minister of oil and refining affairs, and seized a large amount of cash, gold, assault rifles, and ammunition during a raid in Salaheddin province. The arrest is part of a broader anti-corruption campaign led by Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi. A lawmaker praised the move as a significant step toward dismantling corruption networks in key economic sectors.
Armenia Asked to Freeze Magnitsky-Linked Funds
Following the Swiss Supreme Court's order to confiscate funds linked to the Magnitsky tax fraud, millions were transferred to financial institutions in Armenia and Israel. Despite warnings from Europe's top human rights watchdog, Armenian authorities did not act. New transaction records show where some of the money landed in Armenia, prompting Hermitage Capital Management to demand intervention from Armenian prosecutors. The case involves a major Russian corruption scandal dating back to 2007.
Dozens of Azerbaijan Companies Manage Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Tankers
Dozens of Azerbaijani companies have taken control of Russian 'shadow fleet' tankers that are under EU and UK sanctions for their role in transporting Russian oil and petroleum products since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. At least 31 International Safety Management (ISM) companies were registered in Azerbaijan between 2023 and 2025, according to documents obtained by reporters. These companies manage sanctioned vessels, either before or after they were targeted between 2024 and 2026, based on data from Equasis, an international shipping monitoring agency. Some of these companies have c
Ecuadorian Cartel Boss Fights Extradition in Spain, Accusing President Noboa of Assassination Plot
A notorious Ecuadorian drug lord, Wilmer Chavarría, is challenging his extradition to Ecuador in a Spanish court. During the hearing, Chavarría accused Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa and Interior Minister John Reimberg of orchestrating the 2023 assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. His legal team claims he has gathered evidence linking Noboa to drug trafficking but did not present it publicly during the proceedings.
Albania Freezes Assets in Kushner Resort Probe
Albanian anti-corruption prosecutors have frozen the bank accounts of a landholding company linked to a $4 billion luxury resort project supported by Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son-in-law. The move comes amid growing public protests, diplomatic tensions with Greece, and concerns from the European Union. The investigation focuses on alleged fraud related to property titles in a protected coastal area near Vlora. Protests have been fueled by environmental and community concerns over the impact of the proposed resort on a sensitive wetland area.
Romanian Army Chief Investigated in University Admissions Scandal
Romania's top military commander, Gen. Gheorghiță Vlad, is under investigation by national anti-corruption authorities for his alleged role in manipulating state-funded university admissions. The National Anticorruption Directorate accused him of 'complicity in usurpation of office' after he allegedly helped draft a request to the Ministry of Education to secure 20 additional tuition-free spots at a Bucharest sports university. Investigators say this was intended to give an 'undue advantage' to students who had been admitted to fee-paying spots, with three of them set to be hired as officers.
US Requests Australia Extradite Jet Ski Salesman Who Created Hundreds of Shell Firms
The U.S. has requested Australia's extradition of Ian Taylor, a business registration agent who helped establish hundreds of offshore shell companies linked to criminal organizations such as Hezbollah and the Sinaloa drug cartel. Australian authorities confirmed Taylor was arrested in Queensland following the extradition request, which alleges he faces money laundering charges in the U.S. The Taylor family operated business registration firms in multiple jurisdictions, including New Zealand and Vanuatu, and were previously investigated after journalists exposed their ties to controversial and,
Warnings of Human Trafficking Issued for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Authorities in Mexico, Canada, and the United States have raised concerns about an increase in fraudulent job offers linked to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which they say are being used by human traffickers to exploit vulnerable individuals. Officials warn that the large-scale nature of the event creates opportunities for criminals to lure victims into forced labor and sexual exploitation through false promises of employment and travel expenses. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has highlighted the increased risk during major global events such as the World Cup.
Ukrainian Court Approves Pre-trial Detention of Kostiantyn Hryhoryshyn
A Ukrainian court has approved the pre-trial detention of Kostiantyn Hryhoryshyn, a businessman who has left the country. Prosecutors allege he embezzled energy funds, leading to an estimated loss of 68 million Ukrainian hryvnia ($1.3 million) between 2020 and 2024. The Prosecutor General's Office stated that efforts to contact Interpol for an international arrest warrant will continue. Authorities have also frozen assets linked to three of Hryhoryshyn's companies. Hryhoryshyn denies the allegations through his legal representatives, calling them politically motivated.
Nepal Rights Body Urges Charges Against Ex-PM Over Gen Z Protest Deaths
Nepal's National Human Rights Commission has recommended legal action and a five-year political ban against former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, two of his ministers, and top security officials over their alleged role in a violent crackdown on youth-led anti-corruption protests in September 2025, which resulted in at least 76 deaths. The commission has submitted its findings to the government, urging it to take action within three months.
Child Abuse Claims Made Against Nearly 300 Sri Lankan Buddhist Monks in Last Three Years
Nearly 300 Sri Lankan Buddhist monks have faced child abuse claims in the past three years, resulting in charges against approximately 30 of them, according to the country's National Child Protection Authority (NCPA). This disclosure followed a freedom of information request by OCCRP. The situation has intensified following the arrest of Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thero, a prominent monk overseeing several sacred sites, who faces allegations of sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl over multiple years. He has not been formally charged but was released on bail. His legal team asserts he is '
A Corporate Battle in London Threatens the Last Independent News Outlets in Serbia
The founder of United Group and its former CEO have initiated legal action in London to block the sale of the company's media division to European Future Media Investments. They argue that the sale would eliminate the last independently operated news outlets in Serbia. The potential buyer, European Future Media Investments, is linked to Alpac Capital, which has ties to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's former advisor.
UK Targets Russian Crypto Sanctions Evasion Network
Britain has imposed new sanctions on 18 individuals and companies accused of facilitating Russian evasion of Western financial restrictions through the A7 network. The sanctions aim to disrupt financial flows supporting Russia's war economy, particularly focusing on cryptocurrency exchanges and other financial infrastructure linked to the Kremlin. The U.K. claims the A7 network processed over $90 billion last year, equivalent to nearly half of Russia's annual military spending.
Bringing Human-Centered Design to OCCRP: Meet Head of Journalism Products Fabienne Meijer
Fabienne Meijer, head of journalism products at OCCRP, discusses her approach to transforming news media through human-centered design. She emphasizes shifting from traditional journalism focused on 'great stories' to understanding audience needs and delivering value. Meijer advocates for design thinking in newsrooms, prioritizing audience needs over assumptions about what people might want.
Directors of Firms Linked to Sanctioned Cambodian Conglomerate Bought Properties in Japan
The article reports that directors of firms associated with the sanctioned Cambodian Prince Group have purchased properties in Japan. The U.S. has designated the Prince Group as a 'transnational criminal organization' due to alleged industrial-scale cyberfraud operations involving human trafficking and modern-day slavery. A spokesperson for the Prince Group denied these allegations, stating that the group consists of legitimate businesses operating globally.
Singapore Charges Malaysian Man in Transnational Impersonation Scam
Singapore authorities are preparing to charge a 22-year-old Malaysian man with involvement in a transnational impersonation scam. The suspect was arrested following reports of fraud involving individuals posing as a bank employee and a Singapore police officer. Investigators believe he was part of a syndicate that collected cash and jewelry from victims and passed them to other operatives in Singapore and Malaysia. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $391,000.