View this email in your browser ([link removed])
[link removed]

April 18, 2025
Hello John
,

As Kyrgyzstan races to finish a 51,000-capacity stadium near the capital of Bishkek, a lack of transparency around the project’s funding and backers has raised concerns about potential corruption.

In Cyprus, an alarming new draft law threatens to grant authorities the right to conduct sweeping surveillance of journalists and compel them to reveal their sources.

Hearings began in Italy’s enormous ferry graft probe this week, while the EU is cheering prosecutions in a “missing trader” scheme tied to major VAT tax fraud.

Read on for the latest in crime and corruption.
[link removed]


** OCCRP Exclusive
------------------------------------------------------------


** Kyrgyzstan Stadium Construction Firms Tied to Presidency
------------------------------------------------------------
[link removed]

Near the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek, construction of a 51,000-seat stadium is underway. Details surrounding the project and its backers are characteristically murky, raising concerns about potential corruption.

The Kyrgyz companies involved in construction have not been publicly disclosed, but OCCRP has found evidence that one of the construction firms is Ordo Kurulush Company, which is part of a network of businesses connected to the Presidential Administrative Directorate, a government body controlled by President Sadyr Japarov.

The stadium project is linked to a joint bid from Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan to host the 2031 Asian Football Confederation Cup, with construction expected to finish in 2026.

Read the full story ([link removed])

[link removed]


** More OCCRP Reporting
------------------------------------------------------------


** In Cyprus, Proposed Bill Paves Way For Surveillance Of Press
------------------------------------------------------------
[link removed]

Press freedom advocates in Cyprus are sounding the alarm over a new draft bill, which critics say would grant authorities the power to carry out sweeping surveillance on journalists — as well as compel them to reveal their sources.

Read the full story ([link removed])


** Italy’s Ferry Graft Probe Hearings Begin
------------------------------------------------------------

Dozens of officials and executives are being questioned in a sweeping corruption case linked to an Italian state-subsidized ferry company, with hearings kicking off earlier this week. Prosecutors allege that company officials offered free ferry tickets in exchange for favors from officials.

Read the full story ([link removed])


** EPPO Uncovers Massive €100M VoIP VAT Fraud
------------------------------------------------------------

In Germany, three men have been convicted for their part in a massive tax fraud scheme, which European prosecutors say cost taxpayers an estimated 100 million euros ($113.9 million).

The group, known as “Cuba”, used fake Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) sales as part of a “missing trader scheme,” claiming refunds on sales taxes (VAT) which were never actually paid.

Read the full story ([link removed])


** 📞 We want to hear from you!
------------------------------------------------------------

We’d love to know why you read OCCRP and how you use our reporting. Your feedback helps us improve. Schedule a 15-minute call with us ([link removed]) .


** News Briefs
------------------------------------------------------------

* UNICEF this week called for governments ([link removed]) to do more to protect child migrants and refugees. Some 3,500 children have died or disappeared over the past decade while crossing the Central Mediterranean Sea to Italy, according to UN estimates.

* The Tunisian government is using arbitrary detention and sweeping arrests to crack down on dissent, Human Rights Watch said this week ([link removed]) . The rights group said it had documented 22 cases of people held on “questionable charges” in connection with peaceful expression or political activity, 14 of whom could face the death penalty.

* Ethiopian authorities are being urged to drop terrorism charges ([link removed]) against journalists from the Ethiopian Broadcasting Service, who are being prosecuted over a documentary that is said to have included false testimony from a rape victim.

* In Lebanon, last week’s ruling that former central bank governor Riad Salame will face trial on charges of embezzling $44 million has been welcomed by anti-corruption advocates, but concerns abound ([link removed]) about the limited scope and potential impact of the case.


** We Investigate Corruption. Swiss Law Calls That a Crime.
------------------------------------------------------------

Read an opinion piece from our reporters ([link removed]) explaining the chilling effect Switzerland's Article 47 has had on journalism.


** Opportunities
------------------------------------------------------------

Cross-Border Journalism Training
A one-day Next-IJ investigative training program, led by OCCRP and Transcrime, will be held on June 26. This session is designed for mid-level journalists and will provide a deep dive into the latest tools, techniques, and strategies used by leading cross-border investigative reporters.

The deadline for applications is June 9.
Find out more here ([link removed]) →


** Help Contribute To The New-Look Aleph
------------------------------------------------------------

OCCRP’s flagship Aleph data platform has undergone a major overhaul, with a new and improved version set to launch in October 2025.

Created by OCCRP nearly a decade ago, Aleph is a powerful tool that helps 24,000+ users track assets, uncover corporate ownership, and analyze financial transactions using government records, leaked archives, and open data.

It contains more than 4.5 billion records and enables the OCCRP network to collaborate on vast data investigations.

We’re excited to be rebuilding Aleph for the long haul. Test new features. Share feedback. Build with us. To get involved, contact Aleph Lead Ezana Ceman at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Find out more here ([link removed]) →

P.S. Thank you for reading! Simply reply to this email with any feedback.

[link removed]

Copyright © 2025 Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, All rights reserved.
Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP)
Too many emails? Choose which emails you want from us ([link removed]) or unsubscribe from all OCCRP emails ([link removed])