OCCRP Investigations

The OCCRP Investigations category features in-depth reports on global corruption, organized crime, and financial misconduct. Explore groundbreaking investigations that expose hidden networks, illicit operations, and money laundering schemes across borders. Our reports, backed by trusted sources and rigorous journalism, aim to hold the powerful accountable and uncover the truth behind the world’s most complex criminal enterprises

Europe

Aug 26, 2024Sep 24, 2024

Spain & Colombia Dismantle Cocaine Processing Lab, 28 Arrested

A joint Spanish and Colombian operation has dismantled a cocaine processing lab, resulting in dozens of arrests and the seizure of thousands of litres of chemical precursors, Europol said Monday in an official statement.

James Peterson

Europe

Aug 23, 2024Sep 24, 2024

Bulgaria Dismantles Migrant Smuggling Ring

Bulgarian authorities dismantled this week a criminal group that smuggled migrants through the Balkans and into Europe.

James Peterson

Georgia

Aug 14, 2024Sep 24, 2024

Georgia’s Ruling Party Rejects and Deflects OCCRP Findings

Georgia’s ruling party has rejected an OCCRP investigation into the Russian property holdings of its founder’s wife, claiming the findings were “based on false information” –– even though they were supported by documentation obtained by reporters.

Alex Johnson

Europe

Aug 10, 2024Nov 16, 2024

Spate of Killings in Europe Reveal Escalating Conflict in Turkish Criminal Underworld

An escalation in violence involving major Turkish gangs has spilled over into European cities, where suspected mafia figures have been shot in broad daylight.

James Peterson

Georgia

Aug 09, 2024Sep 24, 2024

Family of Georgian Oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili Has Unreported Real Estate in Russia

Ivanishvili also appears to retain a Russian company through an offshore structure, despite promising to divest from Russia.

Alex Johnson

Russia

Aug 08, 2024Sep 24, 2024

A Murky Cypriot Firm Is Helping Belarus Export Potash — In Breach of EU Sanctions

Belarus’ state potash trade is sanctioned by the EU. So why is a company registered in Cyprus being paid millions by the regime of strongman Alexander Lukashenko to help move the mineral through the Port of St Petersburg?

Alex Johnson

Russia

Jul 31, 2024Sep 24, 2024

Meet Dmitry Mironov, the Enigmatic Putin Aide Managing the Kremlin’s HR Department

As Vladimir Putin tightens his circle of trust, a former secret service officer has emerged as one of his closest aides.

Alex Johnson

Dubai

Jun 25, 2024Sep 24, 2024

Anti-Money Laundering Body Pledges to Probe OCCRP Findings on UAE

An international anti-money laundering body that took the United Arab Emirates off its “gray list” will review findings from a recent investigation by OCCRP and media partners, which revealed that convicted criminals, fugitives, and sanctioned individuals own property in Dubai.

Alex Johnson

Dubai

Jun 14, 2024Sep 24, 2024

German Prosecutors Terminate Probe Into Former Afghan Politician’s Properties

German prosecutors have dropped their investigation into real estate deals by Ajmal Rahmani, a former Afghan politician who says the decision strengthens his lawsuit against the U.S. government, which sanctioned him for alleged corruption.

Alex Johnson

Dubai

May 30, 2024Sep 24, 2024

Dubai Revelations Prompt Questions From EU Parliamentarians

European parliamentarians are questioning whether the United Arab Emirates should have been taken off the “gray list” of countries at risk of money laundering and terrorist financing, following revelations that Dubai property owners include a host of dubious characters like drug lords and sanctioned businessmen.

Alex Johnson