Loose Tobacco

One billion people could die from the use of tobacco this century, according to the World Health Organization. No other industry in the world kills half of its long-term users while spending millions upon millions to prevent, reduce, or stymie efforts to control it.

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Stories

Alleged Associate of Burkinabè Cigarette Tycoon Apollinaire Compaoré Caught on Tape Attempting to Bribe Malian Official

A secret recording obtained by OCCRP shows how Safy Mokoko Sow, a well-connected intermediary claiming to represent tobacco mogul Apollinaire Compaoré, offered cash to the head of Mali’s state tobacco company as she sought free passage through the country for Compaoré’s cigarettes.

16 May 2023 Read the article

British American Tobacco Fights Dirty In West Africa

Learn how smuggled Dunhill cigarettes are financing jihadists linked to the Islamic State group and al-Qaida in West Africa.

26 February 2021 Read the article

Marlboro’s Man: Philip Morris’ Representative in Burkina Faso is a Known Cigarette Smuggler

For years Apollinaire Compaoré, one of the country’s richest men, has been trafficking cigarettes across West Africa.

26 February 2021 Read the article

Projects

China Tobacco Goes Global

China's state tobacco company has quietly set its sights on global domination.

11 March 2020 Read the project

Without a Trace

Last century, tobacco was one of the world’s most successful industries. This century, if current trends continue, it is expected to kill one billion people.

11 March 2020 Read the project

Blowing Unsmoke

An art object. A fashion accessory. A medical treatment. A scientifically advanced gadget. And even, recently, a solution to COVID-19-induced lockdown boredom.

26 May 2020 Read the project

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