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

Ukraine

May 14, 2025May 15, 2025

EXCLUSIVE: Fugitive Ukrainian MP Found Living in Dubai

A former deputy secretary of Ukraine’s National Security Council, accused of embezzling state funds through military contracts, was arrested in Spain and faces possible extradition.

Alex Johnson

Georgia

Apr 25, 2025Apr 29, 2025

Huge Ecosystem of Unregulated Payment Providers Helps Scammers Collect Victims’ Money

Last month, more than 30 media outlets reported on a global scam operation based in Tbilisi, prompting Georgian authorities to launch an investigation. But newly obtained telecom records show that the scammers already appear to be back at work.

Alex Johnson

Russia

Mar 25, 2025Mar 26, 2025

Russia Slips from Center Stage as UN Cybercrime Treaty Negotiations Forge Ahead

Some shipments of cash arrived on the day of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, just weeks before a currency export ban was imposed.

Alex Johnson

Georgia

Mar 20, 2025Apr 24, 2025

Scam Operations Relied on Third-Party Marketing Companies for Steady Stream of Potential Victims

Leaked documents reveal how scam call centers drew on a secret industry of service providers that used shell companies, proxy account holders, and sham paperwork to receive funds from their victims through accounts at major commercial banks, or turn it into cryptocurrency.

Alex Johnson

Russia

Mar 14, 2025Apr 29, 2025

European Parliament Holds Hearing on Russian Interference in the EU

The bloggers rack up millions of views, promote Russia as a haven for conservatives, glorify the war in Ukraine — and never disclose any ties to the Russian government. The money tells a different story.

Alex Johnson

Georgia

Mar 05, 2025Mar 05, 2025

Scam Empire: Inside A Merciless International Investment Scam

How many scam operations did reporters reveal? Who leaked the data? What’s the evidence these are scams and not legitimate platforms? Here are the answers to the most important questions about the ‘Scam Empire’ project.

Alex Johnson

Georgia

Mar 05, 2025Mar 05, 2025

Everything You Need to Know About ‘Scam Empire’

They called themselves “skameri.” In behind-the-scenes chats, they celebrated bilking victims out of their life savings and spent their earnings on lavish vacations, jewelry, and cars. They bragged that they would never be caught. But we tracked them down.

Alex Johnson

Georgia

Feb 27, 2025Feb 27, 2025

Files Show Georgian Security Service Spied on Diplomats, Journalists, Clerics

Georgian authorities have violently cracked down on protests over the past three months, raising fears that data extraction software could be turned against civil society.

Alex Johnson

Russia

Feb 26, 2025Feb 26, 2025

By Suitcase And By Wire: How Reza Zarrab Smuggled Russia’s Money

Kyrgyzstan has become a major hub for routing exports of sanctioned cars to Russia. One Moscow-based dealership flaunts an array of luxury vehicles, acquired despite the sanctions.

Alex Johnson

Georgia

Feb 20, 2025Feb 22, 2025

Georgia’s Security Service Alleges Foreign Plot Amid Anti-Government Protests

Roberto Montella, the Secretary General of the OSCE’s Parliamentary Assembly, then took part in the organization’s high-profile election observation mission.

Alex Johnson