Spain’s Former PM Investigated in Airline Bailout Probe
José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero was summoned by the National Court over allegations he used his high-ranking government access to secure a 53 million-euro rescue for the Plus Ultra airline.
US
EU Eases Sanctions on Syrian State Institutions but Keeps Squeeze on Assad-Era Tycoons
In a bid to support the country’s transitional government, the European Council lifted restrictions on key ministries while extending penalties against the financial architects of the former regime.
Ex-Zelensky Aide Posts $3.2 Million Bail in Money-Laundering Case
Andriy Yermak, the former chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, may soon be released from pretrial detention after the equivalent of $3.2 million bail was posted on his behalf, according to Ukraine’s state news agency UNIAN reported which…
Interpol Arrests Over 200 in Sweeping Middle East and Africa Cybercrime Crackdown
In a first-of-its-kind crackdown across the Middle East and North Africa, Interpol announced Monday that authorities have arrested 201 individuals linked to cross-border cybercrime networks. Code-named "Operation Ramz," the coordinated effort spanned 13 countries and was aimed at neutralizing costly…
Colombia Seizes Belgian Aristocrat’s Hotel Empire
The enforcement action directly targets a $16 million real estate portfolio first exposed in a 2022 investigation by OCCRP and Colombian media outlet 070.
US Securities Regulator Moves to Settle Adani Civil Case
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has asked a federal court to approve final judgments to settle a civil case against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, and his nephew Sagar Adani. The settlement would require Gautam to pay $6 million…
Cartels, Triads, and Australian Gangs Moving Drugs Through Fiji: Defense Minister
A host of international crime syndicates are increasingly moving drugs through Fiji, and some former national military personnel have joined with them, the country's defense minister tells OCCRP in an interview.
Former Russian Official Charged With Fraud After Fleeing the Country
Denis Butsaev, who oversaw Russia’s waste-management reforms, is accused of embezzling state funds. Media reports suggest he fled to the United States shortly after quietly resigning this spring.
Balkan News Network to Be Sold to Orbán-Linked Fund in 30 euro Million Deal
A leaked contract reveals that the parent company of the region's most prominent independent broadcasters is preparing to offload its media empire to investors tied to the Hungarian government, following months of controversial newsroom purges.
UK Sanctions Late Azerbaijani Crime Boss’ Brother, Alleging He Plotted Attacks for Tehran
OCCRP reporters confirmed the identity of Namiq Salifov, whose associates were convicted in the U.S. last year of a "murder-for-hire" plot on behalf of Iran, after British authorities updated their sanctions list to include further personal details about him.