Supported projects

ZAGREB – This investigation delves into the opaque business model of football agent Andy Bara and his agency, Niagara Sports. Bara is known for high-profile transfers such as Dani Olmo's moves to RB Leipzig and then to FC Barcelona. His dealings raise questions about FIFA-banned 'bridge transfers'- a system whereby young African talent is funnelled through smaller European clubs, often bypassing the rightful compensation of their training academies.

COMRAT/ TASHKENT – Russia tried to influence Moldova's political decisions by funding its operations in an attempt to prevent it from joining the EU. When the EU cut off direct channels, Moscow used other routes, via Uzbekistan, to continue funding operations aimed at influencing the EU.

KYIV - This investigation examines how Russian sports betting platforms continue to offer live betting on Ukrainian football matches — including those held near active war zones — using data that can largely be traced back to Sportradar. This company promotes itself as a guardian of sporting integrity and serves as UEFA’s official data partner. 

ANKARA/BATMAN - The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has announced its dissolution. But will this also bring an end to the controversial practice of replacing elected mayors with government-appointed officials in Kurdish-majority cities?

PRAGUE - In this months-long cross-border investigation, a team of six journalists looked into the Czech Ammunition Initiative - an initiative set up in early 2024 to supply Ukraine with a steady flow of artillery ammunition, to investigate allegations of high costs, poor quality shells and conflicts of interest.

TIRANA/MILANO - The destruction of the Balkans' forests continues, especially in the remote areas of Albania where the law doesn't reach and corruption reigns. It's a deep-rooted and local phenomenon, but it's supported by an international dynamic that involves Europe and, above all, the country's best partner in crime: Italy.

GOMA - Romanian, Moldovan, and French security contractors deployed as instructors for the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s army in Goma, violated international law, faked their numbers and lacked military training.

KAMPALA / PARIS  - This investigation reveals that investments in Uganda's controversial oil projects, led by France's TotalEnergies and totalling $20 billion, primarily benefit President Museveni's inner circle, including his family members, military officials, ministerial staff and diplomats.

BUCHAREST - Toxic chemical smuggling flourished on Romania's borders while the country struggled to become a member of the Schengen area.

BELGRADE - Cocaine production and trafficking has reached record levels, with organised crime groups from the Western Balkans playing a major role in the EU market, working with Dutch groups. The recent hacking of the encrypted messaging platform Sky ECC has revealed the inner workings of criminal organisations. A team of journalists from Serbia and the Netherlands investigated the impact of the violent cocaine trade linking their countries.