In late 2018, Greek authorities busted a freighter carrying over $100 million worth of cannabis and the speed-like drug Captagon, evidence of a booming...
In late 2018, Greek authorities busted a freighter carrying over $100 million worth of cannabis and the speed-like drug Captagon, evidence of a booming Mediterranean drug trade fueled by Syria’s civil war. An investigation into the vessel reveals a network of criminals associated with the shipment — with connections to the Assad family, a gang in Libya, and London-registered shell companies.
Myanmar security forces appear to be using surveillance technology sourced from European and North American companies against civilians who have spent months protesting against a military coup.
Protestors barricaded a street in Yangon on March 27, 2021, in a showdown with police who used live ammunition and tear gas. (Credit: Sipa USA/Alamy)
Read more: Myanmar Security Forces Using Western Surveillance Tech Against Civilians
Leaked bank records show transactions between one of Zoran Bećirović’s companies and a firm at the center of a massive money laundering operation.
Read more: Montenegrin Tycoon’s Lawsuit Against Media Highlights a Trail of Controversial Deals
Not much has changed in Kyrgyzstan’s customs service since Matraimov’s firing and conviction. His successor, Zamirbek Karashev, appears to be part of his network — and his family also enjoys the finer things.
The Sandesara family, on the run from over $700 million in fraud and money laundering charges in their homeland, have been protected by Albania and Nigeria.
Read more: Above the Law: How a Wealthy Indian Family Evaded Justice
Grand corruption in Gambia. State capture in South Africa. Rosewood plunder in Namibia. Azerbaijani weapon deals in Congo. A secret banking network in Angola.
According to an associate, Kyrgyzstan’s former deputy customs chief had to raise money from friends and relatives to pay the fine. This didn’t appear to prevent him from buying a new penthouse right next door to his old one.
Read more: After Corruption Conviction and $24 Million Fine, Matraimov Buys New Penthouse in Bishkek
Belarus has given away about $1 billion worth of land to construction companies owned by Serbia's well-connected Karić family.
Read more: Lukashenko Doles Out Prime Belarus Real Estate to Serbian Cronies
Um Ahmed left everything when she and her four children fled their home in Daraya, south of Damascus — toys scattered around all corners of the house, the certificates she earned when she qualified as a pharmacist.
Kafr Nabl, Syria. 20th May, 2019. Syrians inspect the destruction left by overnight air strikes targeting residential areas at Kafr Nabl in the rebel-held Idlib province in May 2019. (Credit: Anas Alkharboutli/dpa/Alamy)
Read more: Syria’s Reconstruction Tax Props up the Assad Regime
A secret kickback deal with an Iraqi Kurdistan politician made Todd Kozel rich. But an affair and his bitter divorce led him to disgrace.
Page 1 of 52
