Investigate Europe

To mark International Women’s Day on March 8, the International Press Institute (IPI) celebrates "some of the remarkable women media leaders" from its global network: "We honor their innovative reporting, their tireless commitment to press freedom, and their example of leadership in challenging times for independent media worldwide. As we celebrate IPI’s 75th anniversary this year, we are proud to count these women—both past and present—as members of the IPI global network." With Anu?ka Deli?, Solafa Magdy, Joanna Krawczyk, Priya Thuvassery, Juliana Mori, etaf roudan, Isabela Ponce Ycaza, Raisa Wickrematunge, Alina Manrique Cede?o. And Investigate Europe's Alessia Cerantola. Read about them all here: https://lnkd.in/d5nY6M57 #InternationalWomensDay #journalists #women

??? Read our new investigation: Shady bets – How Europe’s gambling industry spun out of control From football bets to virtual slots, online gambling is everywhere. Millions deposit, cash out, and, too often, lose on platforms that lure them in with flashy deals and bonus offers. But beneath the shiny exterior, there's a darker side. Many experts believe online gambling is one of the most pressing public health issues of our time. Addiction, harm, and financial loss are all part of the industry’s meteoric rise. And then there’s the issue of opacity. Operators often rely on offshore jurisdictions and complex corporate structures, while the sector remains largely unregulated. With no EU-wide laws in place, unlicensed businesses can flourish. ?? Dive into the full investigation here: https://lnkd.in/dcD9HxHU #InvestigativeJournalism #Shadybets #Gambling

?? Shady bets: How Europe’s gambling industry spun out of control??? Our new investigation uncovers the void of EU regulation, unlicensed websites, offshore secrecy and a growing public health crisis. It is a collaboration with media from 11 countries, exposing the spin of Europe's multibillion-euro betting industry. ?? Key findings: - Online gambling revenues in the EU have skyrocketed — rising an estimated 200% between 2018 and 2023 to over €20 billion. All the while there remains no EU-wide laws governing the sector. - Unregulated operators are rife across the continent. As one expert put it: “The gambling industry exists as an iceberg marketplace. Above the waterline, the legal industry is highly visible - regulated, taxed, scrutinised. But it’s floating in a sea of criminality.” - Soft2Bet, an award-winning betting group, is linked to 114 blacklisted gambling websites operating without licenses across several European countries. One of the brands is the official betting partner of Italian football giant AC Milan. (Soft2bet has denied any wrongdoing). ?? Read the story:? https://lnkd.in/dPHBNWUY - Malta remains a safe haven for gambling operators. We found out how the world’s biggest betting companies are taking advantage of a little-known Maltese law that voids court judgements in other EU countries to protect themselves from potential multi-million dollar claims. Lawyers claim the law is in breach of EU law. ?? Read more on this legal shield: https://lnkd.in/d34A3Axz Stay tuned for more from this investigation and find all stories published with our media partners below: ?? Read the full investigation: https://lnkd.in/dcD9HxHU #Shadybets #InvestigativeJournalism #Gambling

We have uncovered Rheinmetall's little-known ammunition factory programme. While the German defence company is known for supplying Ukraine and Nato allies, our investigation reveals that it also sells munitions factories and equipment to countries with a troubling human rights record and links to Russia's war effort. Rheinmetall has sold munitions factories to countries such as Colombia, Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, India and China. Through a subsidiary in South Africa, the company appears to be circumventing German export laws, allowing its customers to manufacture and trade in ammunition with fewer restrictions. Investigate Europe has uncovered the intricate dealings, political dynamics and legal loopholes that drive this expanding global arms network. ?? Read our full investigation, published by ZEIT ONLINE: https://lnkd.in/d46faPT3 You can also find it on our website:?https://lnkd.in/dvZur4_u #InvestigativeJournalism #PublicService

Collaborative journalism is changing the way we tell global stories. What started as scepticism has now become essential, with flexible models driving success across borders. Alessia Cerantola, our editorial director, reflects on a decade of collaboration in investigative journalism in this op-ed for Arena for Journalism in Europe. ?? Read it here:?https://lnkd.in/dGRbjzbj #InvestigativeJournalism #PublicService

?? Our latest newsletter is here! From sanctions loopholes to AI regulations and rare earths, here’s what we've uncovered this month: ?? Russia continues to receive western aircraft parts despite sanctions — our investigation tracks over $50 million worth of shipments. ?? Our findings on the AI Act led to parliamentary questions in France and Greece. ?? Italian senators demand answers on the surveillance of journalists. ?? New developments in the investigation into the Tempi train crash in Greece. ?? Rare earths from Ukraine are the key to a new US agreement — what does this mean for Europe? ?? Enforcement of EU sanctions: 30 prison sentences and €430 million in fines since 2017, but gaps remain. ??Our colleague Ella Joyner explores the power of cross border journalism. #InvestigativeJournalism

The European Union currently has 36 sanction regimes in place. Yet, since 2017, only 30 custodial sentences have been issued across Europe for breaches of EU sanctions law. Meanwhile, the EU Commission unit responsible for sanctions enforcement operates with just 25 staff members, as Investigate Europe reveals. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dyaSpRtq #EU #InvestigativeJournalism

?? Stories beyond borders: Collaborative journeys of investigative journalism Join Investigate Europe reporter Nico Schmidt at the Voices - European Festival of Journalism and Media Literacy for a hands-on workshop on cross-border investigative journalism. ?? What can you expect? - Real-world examples from?Investigate Europe’s cross-border investigations - Practical tips for effective research and cooperation - Insights into publishing complex cross-border stories ?? When and where? ??Voices Festival – 0.4 Workshop room ??Muzej Suvremene Umjetnosti, Zagreb ?? Register now! https://lnkd.in/dUHh6_Js #InvestigativeJournalism #Workshop

Recent actions by the US government, including targeted investigations, blocking public access and threatening to cut funding to investigative news organisations, are a cause of great concern for press freedom. In response, Investigative Reporters and Editors is forming a working group to explore ways to protect independent journalism and public access to data. The organisation continues to develop its training resources, including webinars on digital security and the protection of vital public information. For more information, visit the organisation's website: https://lnkd.in/ewecUXxX #InvestigativeJournalism #PressFreedom

?? How Boeing and Airbus parts reached Russia via India - despite sanctions Our latest investigation was broadcast on ARTE Journal in France last night. It reveals how critical aircraft parts distributed by Boeing, Airbus and over 100 western suppliers have seemingly continued to enter Russia through companies in India. Our reporters tracked over 700 individual shipments worth $50 million directly from the facilities of western companies to intermediaries in India and then to Russian airlines and buyers — some linked to the country’s military industrial complex, analysis of customs data indicates. The tracked shipments, covering the period between January 2023 and September 2024, included key aircraft components — generators, sensors, propeller blades, avionics and small screws and bolts. ??? Watch the full investigation on ARTE: https://lnkd.in/eeRfWFC3 ?? And read on the Investigate Europe website: https://lnkd.in/ekc3gTMU #InvestigativeJournalism #Sanctions #Russia