[Scam Empire](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/scam-empire)[
](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/scam-empire/huge-ecosystem-of-unregulated-payment-providers-helps-scammers-collect-victims-money)
Mar 20, 2025
[Huge Ecosystem of Unregulated Payment Providers Helps Scammers Collect Victimsâ Money](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/scam-empire/huge-ecosystem-of-unregulated-payment-providers-helps-scammers-collect-victims-money)
==========================================================================================================================================================================================================================
Leaked documents reveal how scam call centers drew on a secret industry of service providers that used shell companies, proxy account holders, and sham paperwork to receive funds from their victims through accounts at major commercial banks, or turn it into cryptocurrency.
Investigation
[
#### European Raids Target Migrant Smuggling Operation
News Mar 20, 2025
](https://www.occrp.org/en/news/european-raids-target-migrant-smuggling-operation)
[
#### Silencing the Media? Journalists Face Legal Action After Bank Exposé
News Mar 20, 2025
](https://www.occrp.org/en/news/silencing-the-media-journalists-face-legal-action-after-bank-expose)
[
#### Ukrainians Linked to $13M International Crypto Fraud Scheme
News Mar 19, 2025
](https://www.occrp.org/en/news/ukrainians-linked-to-13m-international-crypto-fraud-scheme)
[
#### Convicted Fraudsters Stranded Abroad After Marshall Islands Revokes Their Passports
News Mar 19, 2025
](https://www.occrp.org/en/news/convicted-fraudsters-stranded-abroad-after-marshall-islands-revokes-their-passports)
[](https://www.occrp.org/en/investigation/banned-russian-channel-rt-secretly-pays-video-bloggers-who-promote-kremlin-narratives)
Investigation Mar 14, 2025
### [Banned Russian Channel RT Secretly Pays Video Bloggers Who Promote Kremlin Narratives](https://www.occrp.org/en/investigation/banned-russian-channel-rt-secretly-pays-video-bloggers-who-promote-kremlin-narratives)
The bloggers rack up millions of views, promote Russia as a haven for conservatives, glorify the war in Ukraine â and never...
[](https://www.occrp.org/en/scoop/internal-emails-reveal-russian-reaction-to-us-squeezing-supply-of-microchips-for-missiles)
Scoop Mar 10, 2025
### [Internal Emails Reveal Russian Reaction to U.S. Squeezing Supply of Microchips for Missiles](https://www.occrp.org/en/scoop/internal-emails-reveal-russian-reaction-to-us-squeezing-supply-of-microchips-for-missiles)
Microchips manufactured by American companies are critical for weapons Russia is deploying against Ukraine. Leaked documents...
[](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/scam-empire/scam-operations-relied-on-third-party-marketing-companies-for-steady-stream-of-potential-victims)
[Scam Empire](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/scam-empire)
Investigation Mar 7, 2025
### [Scam Operations Relied on Third-Party Marketing Companies for Steady Stream of Potential Victims](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/scam-empire/scam-operations-relied-on-third-party-marketing-companies-for-steady-stream-of-potential-victims)
Two professional scam call-center operations depended on affiliate marketing firms to supply them with contact details of...
[](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/scam-empire/diamonds-dior-and-dubai-vacations-the-luxurious-lives-of-georgias-call-center-scammers)
[Scam Empire](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/scam-empire)
Investigation Mar 5, 2025
### [Diamonds, Dior and Dubai Vacations: The Luxurious Lives of Georgia's Call-Center Scammers](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/scam-empire/diamonds-dior-and-dubai-vacations-the-luxurious-lives-of-georgias-call-center-scammers)
They called themselves âskameri.â In behind-the-scenes chats, they celebrated bilking victims out of their life savings and...
[](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/scam-empire/scam-empire-everything-you-need-to-know-about-these-massive-investment-scams)
[Scam Empire](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/scam-empire)
Investigation Mar 5, 2025
### [Everything You Need to Know About 'Scam Empire'](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/scam-empire/scam-empire-everything-you-need-to-know-about-these-massive-investment-scams)
How many scam operations did reporters reveal? Who leaked the data? What's the evidence these are scams and not legitimate...
[](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/scam-empire/scam-empire-inside-a-merciless-international-investment-scam)
[Scam Empire](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/scam-empire)
Investigation Mar 5, 2025
### [Scam Empire: Inside A Merciless International Investment Scam](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/scam-empire/scam-empire-inside-a-merciless-international-investment-scam)
An unprecedented leak exposes the inner workings of a global investment-scam industry, where ruthless call center agents...
[](https://www.occrp.org/en/scoop/osce-official-travelled-to-event-in-georgia-organized-by-top-ruling-party-official)
Scoop Feb 20, 2025
### [OSCE Official Travelled to Event in Georgia Organized by Top Ruling Party Member](https://www.occrp.org/en/scoop/osce-official-travelled-to-event-in-georgia-organized-by-top-ruling-party-official)
Roberto Montella, the Secretary General of the OSCEâs Parliamentary Assembly, then took part in the organizationâs...
[](https://www.occrp.org/en/scoop/belgium-blocked-270b-due-to-russian-sanctions-much-of-it-belongs-to-unsanctioned-investors)
Scoop Feb 19, 2025
### [Belgium Blocked $270B Due To Russian Sanctions. Much of It Belongs to Unsanctioned Investors.](https://www.occrp.org/en/scoop/belgium-blocked-270b-due-to-russian-sanctions-much-of-it-belongs-to-unsanctioned-investors)
The American bank JPMorgan is among those who have failed in court to convince Belgium to release funds or assets, which are...
[See all our investigations](/en/investigations)
### News
[
#### European Raids Target Migrant Smuggling Operation
News Mar 20, 2025
](https://www.occrp.org/en/news/european-raids-target-migrant-smuggling-operation)
[
#### Silencing the Media? Journalists Face Legal Action After Bank Exposé
News Mar 20, 2025
](https://www.occrp.org/en/news/silencing-the-media-journalists-face-legal-action-after-bank-expose)
[
#### Ukrainians Linked to $13M International Crypto Fraud Scheme
News Mar 19, 2025
](https://www.occrp.org/en/news/ukrainians-linked-to-13m-international-crypto-fraud-scheme)
[
#### Convicted Fraudsters Stranded Abroad After Marshall Islands Revokes Their Passports
News Mar 19, 2025
](https://www.occrp.org/en/news/convicted-fraudsters-stranded-abroad-after-marshall-islands-revokes-their-passports)
[See all our news](/en/news)
### Features
[](https://www.occrp.org/en/feature/documents-unearthed-after-assads-fall-show-syrian-spy-agency-reacting-to-israels-pager-attack-on-hezbollah)
Feature Mar 14, 2025
### [Documents Unearthed After Assadâs Fall Show Syrian Spy Agency Reacting to Israelâs Pager Attack on Hezbollah](https://www.occrp.org/en/feature/documents-unearthed-after-assads-fall-show-syrian-spy-agency-reacting-to-israels-pager-attack-on-hezbollah)
As pagers and walkie-talkies exploded in Lebanon, Syrian security forces were directed to keep communication devices away...
[](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/scam-empire/celebrities-voice-anger-and-frustration-over-online-scam-ads-that-target-fans)
[Scam Empire](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/scam-empire)
Feature Mar 5, 2025
### [Celebrities Voice Anger And Frustration Over Online Scam Ads That Target Fans](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/scam-empire/celebrities-voice-anger-and-frustration-over-online-scam-ads-that-target-fans)
Many victims who lost money to scammers say the gateway into the nightmare was a fake advertisement or article in which a...
[](https://www.occrp.org/en/feature/with-a-strike-of-a-pen-trumps-aid-cuts-threaten-independent-journalism-around-the-world)
Feature Feb 28, 2025
### [Trump's USAID Funding Freeze Threatens Global Independent Media, OCCRP Editor Warns](https://www.occrp.org/en/feature/with-a-strike-of-a-pen-trumps-aid-cuts-threaten-independent-journalism-around-the-world)
As the U.S. withdraws support for independent journalism worldwide, Russia and China could try to fill the vacuum.
[See all our features](/en/features)
[Person](/en/people)
Andrew Tate
-----------
[Explore this person](/en/people/andrew-tate)
[](https://www.occrp.org/en/investigation/andrew-tate-partnered-in-casinos-with-alleged-romanian-organized-crime-figures)
May 31, 2023
### [Andrew Tate Partnered in Casinos with Alleged Romanian Organized Crime Figures](https://www.occrp.org/en/investigation/andrew-tate-partnered-in-casinos-with-alleged-romanian-organized-crime-figures)
New documents uncovered by reporters show that Andrew and Tristan Tate were involved in a profit-sharing agreement with a...
prev next
### Andrew Tate News
[
#### Romanian Justice Minister Denies U.S. Pressure to Release Tate Brothers
News Mar 4, 2025
](https://www.occrp.org/en/news/romanian-justice-minister-denies-us-pressure-to-release-tate-brothers)
[
#### Despite Romanian Human Trafficking Charges, Andrew Tate Flies to Florida
News Feb 27, 2025
](https://www.occrp.org/en/news/andrew-tate-allowed-to-fly-to-us-despite-human-trafficking-charges-in-romania)
[
#### Romania Charges Tate Brothers with Rape, Human Trafficking
News Jun 20, 2023
](https://www.occrp.org/en/news/romania-charges-tate-brothers-with-rape-human-trafficking)
[See all news about Andrew Tate](/en/people/andrew-tate)
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Project
The Crime Messenger: How Sky ECC Phones Became a Tool of the Criminal Trade
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
What do criminals say to each other when they think nobody can hear? The fall of Sky Global â an encrypted communications company that once promised limitless privacy â may give us our best-ever chance to find out.
[Explore this project](/en/project/the-crime-messenger)
[](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/the-crime-messenger/sky-phones-were-distributed-through-serbias-most-brutal-criminal-networks)
[The Crime Messenger: How Sky ECC Phones Became a Tool of the Criminal Trade](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/the-crime-messenger)
Oct 22, 2024
### [Balkan Criminals Planned Murders Using Encrypted Phones from Canadian Start-Up Sky Global](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/the-crime-messenger/sky-phones-were-distributed-through-serbias-most-brutal-criminal-networks)
Sky phones were a favorite tool for criminals to discuss logistics. Now, it turns out that some of Skyâs most prolific...
[](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/the-crime-messenger/how-a-canadian-companys-encrypted-phones-ended-up-in-the-hands-of-criminals-around-the-world)
[The Crime Messenger: How Sky ECC Phones Became a Tool of the Criminal Trade](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/the-crime-messenger)
Oct 22, 2024
### [How a Canadian Company's Encrypted Phones Ended Up in the Hands of Criminals Worldwide](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/the-crime-messenger/how-a-canadian-companys-encrypted-phones-ended-up-in-the-hands-of-criminals-around-the-world)
It didnât take long for business to boom after Jean-Francois Eap launched a Vancouver-based start-up selling ultra-secure...
Have information that could expose wrong-doing? Want to blow the whistle on corruption? **We need you - and we're committed to keeping you safe.**
[Blow the whistle](/en/become-a-whistleblower)
Project
Dubai Unlocked
--------------
[Explore this project](/en/project/dubai-unlocked)
[](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/dubai-unlocked/singapore-money-laundering-suspects-invested-huge-sums-in-dubai-property)
[Dubai Unlocked](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/dubai-unlocked)
May 16, 2024
### [Singapore Money Laundering Suspects Invested Huge Sums in Dubai Property](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/dubai-unlocked/singapore-money-laundering-suspects-invested-huge-sums-in-dubai-property)
Three people arrested in a raid on an alleged money laundering ring in Singapore invested over $30 million in Dubai real...
[](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/dubai-unlocked/top-crypto-scammers-managed-to-sell-dubai-properties-after-being-charged)
[Dubai Unlocked](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/dubai-unlocked)
May 15, 2024
### [Top Crypto Scammers Managed to Sell Dubai Properties After Being Charged](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/dubai-unlocked/top-crypto-scammers-managed-to-sell-dubai-properties-after-being-charged)
So-called CryptoQueen Ruja Ignatova and her security adviser, Frank Schneider, liquidated Dubai assets despite being charged...
[](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/dubai-unlocked/what-is-dubai-unlocked-everything-you-need-to-know)
[Dubai Unlocked](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/dubai-unlocked)
May 14, 2024
### [What Is 'Dubai Unlocked'? Everything You Need To Know](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/dubai-unlocked/what-is-dubai-unlocked-everything-you-need-to-know)
Frequently asked questions about the global investigation into Dubai property ownership.
[Region](/en/regions)
Russian Federation
------------------
[Explore this region](/en/regions/russian-federation)
Created by potrace 1.10, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2011
[](https://www.occrp.org/en/investigation/european-ships-keep-russias-shadow-fleet-afloat)
Feb 4, 2025
### [European Ships Keep Russiaâs Shadow Fleet Afloat](https://www.occrp.org/en/investigation/european-ships-keep-russias-shadow-fleet-afloat)
To sustain its oil exports, Russia has been drawing on a network of old tankers it sources from private sellers around the...
[](https://www.occrp.org/en/investigation/make-a-molotov-cocktail-how-europeans-are-recruited-through-telegram-to-commit-sabotage-arson-and-murder)
Sep 26, 2024
### [âMake a Molotov Cocktailâ: How Europeans Are Recruited Through Telegram to Commit Sabotage, Arson, and Murder](https://www.occrp.org/en/investigation/make-a-molotov-cocktail-how-europeans-are-recruited-through-telegram-to-commit-sabotage-arson-and-murder)
The cases are multiplying across Europe: Young men with pro-Russian views instructed on Telegram to carry out sabotage...
[](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/russian-asset-tracker/secretive-cyprus-registered-funds-were-used-to-hide-megayachts-and-luxury-real-estate-linked-to-sanctioned-russian-banker)
[Russian Asset Tracker](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/russian-asset-tracker)
Sep 5, 2024
### [Secretive Cyprus-Registered Funds Were Used to Hide Megayachts and Luxury Real Estate Linked to Sanctioned Russian Banker](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/russian-asset-tracker/secretive-cyprus-registered-funds-were-used-to-hide-megayachts-and-luxury-real-estate-linked-to-sanctioned-russian-banker)
In Cyprus, a new type of investment fund was marketed to clients as a way to avoid disclosing their ownership of assets. In...
[](https://www.occrp.org/en/investigation/a-murky-cypriot-firm-is-helping-belarus-export-potash-in-breach-of-eu-sanctions)
Aug 8, 2024
### [A Murky Cypriot Firm Is Helping Belarus Export Potash â In Breach of EU Sanctions](https://www.occrp.org/en/investigation/a-murky-cypriot-firm-is-helping-belarus-export-potash-in-breach-of-eu-sanctions)
Belarus' state potash trade is sanctioned by the EU. So why is a company registered in Cyprus being paid millions by the...
[](https://www.occrp.org/en/investigation/meet-dmitry-mironov-the-enigmatic-putin-aide-managing-the-kremlins-hr-department)
Jul 31, 2024
### [Meet Dmitry Mironov, the Enigmatic Putin Aide Managing the Kremlinâs HR Department](https://www.occrp.org/en/investigation/meet-dmitry-mironov-the-enigmatic-putin-aide-managing-the-kremlins-hr-department)
As Vladimir Putin tightens his circle of trust, a former secret service officer has emerged as one of his closest aides.
[](https://www.occrp.org/en/investigation/cyprus-firm-helped-sanctioned-russian-oligarch-move-funds)
Apr 18, 2023
### [Cyprus Firm Helped Sanctioned Russian Oligarch Move Funds](https://www.occrp.org/en/investigation/cyprus-firm-helped-sanctioned-russian-oligarch-move-funds)
Cypriot corporate service provider MeritServus helped Konstantin Malofeev, an oligarch sanctioned for his support of...
prev next
### Russian Federation News
[
#### Romania Detains Six People Accused of Russian-backed Plot to Overthrow Government
News Mar 6, 2025
](https://www.occrp.org/en/news/romania-detains-six-people-accused-of-russian-backed-plot-to-overthrow-government)
[
#### Ukrainian Journalist Died Exposing Russiaâs Hidden Crimes
News Mar 4, 2025
](https://www.occrp.org/en/news/ukrainian-journalist-died-exposing-russias-hidden-crimes)
[
#### Western Tech Fuels Russiaâs Missiles
News Mar 3, 2025
](https://www.occrp.org/en/news/western-tech-fuels-russias-missiles)
[
#### Hungary Threatens to Block EU Sanctions Over Russia Dispute
News Feb 27, 2025
](https://www.occrp.org/en/news/hungary-threatens-to-block-eu-sanctions-over-russia-dispute)
[See all news about Russian Federation](/en/regions/russian-federation)
Our Projects
------------
[See all our projects](/en/projects)
[
### Scam Empire
](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/scam-empire)
[
### The Steward Files
](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/the-steward-files)
[
### Know Your Host: Why It Matters That Azerbaijan Is Hosting the COP29 Climate Summit
](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/know-your-host)
[
### The Crime Messenger: How Sky ECC Phones Became a Tool of the Criminal Trade
](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/the-crime-messenger)
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