Alexandra Gillies
@agillies.bsky.social
Impact team @OCCRP.bsky.social
Anti-corruption; Pro-democracy, transparency & women's basketball.
Author of Crude Intentions: How Oil Corruption Contaminates the World.
Anti-corruption; Pro-democracy, transparency & women's basketball.
Author of Crude Intentions: How Oil Corruption Contaminates the World.
Reposted by Alexandra Gillies
“I feel terrible that people have been swindled out of money by trusting me.”
British adventurer and TV star Ben Fogle was horrified to learn his image had become the face of an investment scam that was spread online www.occrp.org/en/project/s...
#ScamEmpire
British adventurer and TV star Ben Fogle was horrified to learn his image had become the face of an investment scam that was spread online www.occrp.org/en/project/s...
#ScamEmpire
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 trusted household name supposedly promoted an investment scheme. What they saw...
www.occrp.org
March 5, 2025 at 4:48 PM
“I feel terrible that people have been swindled out of money by trusting me.”
British adventurer and TV star Ben Fogle was horrified to learn his image had become the face of an investment scam that was spread online www.occrp.org/en/project/s...
#ScamEmpire
British adventurer and TV star Ben Fogle was horrified to learn his image had become the face of an investment scam that was spread online www.occrp.org/en/project/s...
#ScamEmpire
Reposted by Alexandra Gillies
What do 1.9 terabytes of leaked documents, records of money flows, and audio recordings from inside scam call centers reveal?
The merciless world of professional scammers, who steal their victims’ life savings — and then come back for more.
Inside #ScamEmpire👇
www.occrp.org/en/project/s...
The merciless world of professional scammers, who steal their victims’ life savings — and then come back for more.
Inside #ScamEmpire👇
www.occrp.org/en/project/s...
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 make millions while destroying lives around the world.
www.occrp.org
March 5, 2025 at 8:10 AM
What do 1.9 terabytes of leaked documents, records of money flows, and audio recordings from inside scam call centers reveal?
The merciless world of professional scammers, who steal their victims’ life savings — and then come back for more.
Inside #ScamEmpire👇
www.occrp.org/en/project/s...
The merciless world of professional scammers, who steal their victims’ life savings — and then come back for more.
Inside #ScamEmpire👇
www.occrp.org/en/project/s...
Reposted by Alexandra Gillies
⚡Andrew Tate lands in Fort Lauderdale, Florida — 50 miles away from Donald Trump’s residence Mar-a-Lago, @occrp.org confirms www.occrp.org/en/news/andr...
Earlier, @financialtimes.com reported that Trump's administration pushed Romanian authorities to lift Tate's travel ban
Earlier, @financialtimes.com reported that Trump's administration pushed Romanian authorities to lift Tate's travel ban
Despite Romanian Human Trafficking Charges, Andrew Tate Flies to Florida
The self-described "king of masculinity" left Romania on a private jet after a push from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.
www.occrp.org
February 27, 2025 at 4:22 PM
⚡Andrew Tate lands in Fort Lauderdale, Florida — 50 miles away from Donald Trump’s residence Mar-a-Lago, @occrp.org confirms www.occrp.org/en/news/andr...
Earlier, @financialtimes.com reported that Trump's administration pushed Romanian authorities to lift Tate's travel ban
Earlier, @financialtimes.com reported that Trump's administration pushed Romanian authorities to lift Tate's travel ban
Reposted by Alexandra Gillies
Reposted by Alexandra Gillies
⚖️ This is the first time a British politician has been charged under the UK Bribery Act. ⚖️
We're monitoring this case closely. Regardless of the outcome, it could provide valuable insights into foreign interference within our political system.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
We're monitoring this case closely. Regardless of the outcome, it could provide valuable insights into foreign interference within our political system.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Former Brexit party MEP in court on Russia-linked bribery charges
Nathan Gill is accused of agreeing to receive money to make statements ‘benefiting’ Russian narrative on Ukraine
www.theguardian.com
February 25, 2025 at 9:39 AM
⚖️ This is the first time a British politician has been charged under the UK Bribery Act. ⚖️
We're monitoring this case closely. Regardless of the outcome, it could provide valuable insights into foreign interference within our political system.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
We're monitoring this case closely. Regardless of the outcome, it could provide valuable insights into foreign interference within our political system.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Alexandra Gillies
In an @npr.org interview, OCCRP publisher
@drewoccrp.bsky.social said that bad actors are the biggest beneficiaries of the U.S. foreign funding freeze
www.npr.org/2025/02/16/n...
@drewoccrp.bsky.social said that bad actors are the biggest beneficiaries of the U.S. foreign funding freeze
www.npr.org/2025/02/16/n...
February 18, 2025 at 4:50 PM
In an @npr.org interview, OCCRP publisher
@drewoccrp.bsky.social said that bad actors are the biggest beneficiaries of the U.S. foreign funding freeze
www.npr.org/2025/02/16/n...
@drewoccrp.bsky.social said that bad actors are the biggest beneficiaries of the U.S. foreign funding freeze
www.npr.org/2025/02/16/n...
Reposted by Alexandra Gillies
The Azerbaijani Laundromat scandal has reached the German courtroom. Two former German MPs are on trial for allegedly taking bribes to serve Azerbaijan’s interests - will there finally be accountability? More answers here ➡️ anticorru.pt/39E
As the Azerbaijani Laundromat scandal reaches German court, will…
As the Azerbaijani Laundromat scandal reaches German court, will there finally be some accountability?
anticorru.pt
February 17, 2025 at 11:23 AM
The Azerbaijani Laundromat scandal has reached the German courtroom. Two former German MPs are on trial for allegedly taking bribes to serve Azerbaijan’s interests - will there finally be accountability? More answers here ➡️ anticorru.pt/39E
Reposted by Alexandra Gillies
OCCRP took a closer look at our [Transparency International Georgia’s] recent reporting on Ivanishvili’s accelerated transfer of assets from offshore entities to Georgia between December 2024 and January 2025, after he was sanctioned by the U.S. in late December 2024.
www.occrp.org/en/scoop/sla...
www.occrp.org/en/scoop/sla...
Slapped With Sanctions, Georgian Oligarch Ivanishvili Brings Assets Home
Bidzina Ivanishvili’s ruling Georgian Dream party has been accused of election fraud and increasingly authoritarian leadership, and he was sanctioned by the U.S. in December. Some of his prized assets...
www.occrp.org
February 14, 2025 at 9:08 PM
OCCRP took a closer look at our [Transparency International Georgia’s] recent reporting on Ivanishvili’s accelerated transfer of assets from offshore entities to Georgia between December 2024 and January 2025, after he was sanctioned by the U.S. in late December 2024.
www.occrp.org/en/scoop/sla...
www.occrp.org/en/scoop/sla...
Reposted by Alexandra Gillies
A U.S. judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s freeze on foreign aid, ruling that the White House overstepped its authority.
The decision follows a lawsuit challenging the freeze. Here’s what it means. 👇
🔗 www.occrp.org/en/news/us-j...
🧵
The decision follows a lawsuit challenging the freeze. Here’s what it means. 👇
🔗 www.occrp.org/en/news/us-j...
🧵
U.S. Judge Temporarily Halts White House Freeze on Foreign Aid
The order came in response to a lawsuit by nonprofits including OCCRP's parent organization JDN.
www.occrp.org
February 14, 2025 at 7:02 PM
A U.S. judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s freeze on foreign aid, ruling that the White House overstepped its authority.
The decision follows a lawsuit challenging the freeze. Here’s what it means. 👇
🔗 www.occrp.org/en/news/us-j...
🧵
The decision follows a lawsuit challenging the freeze. Here’s what it means. 👇
🔗 www.occrp.org/en/news/us-j...
🧵
Reposted by Alexandra Gillies
Adams prosecutor resigns “I expect you will eventually find someone who is enough of a fool, or enough of a coward, to file your motion. But it was never going to be me."
”https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/02/14/nyregion/eric-adams-charges-doj/b67279e2-948a-5d0f-b225-939db710d8a1?smid=url-share
”https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/02/14/nyregion/eric-adams-charges-doj/b67279e2-948a-5d0f-b225-939db710d8a1?smid=url-share
Update from Jonah Bromwich
www.nytimes.com
February 14, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Adams prosecutor resigns “I expect you will eventually find someone who is enough of a fool, or enough of a coward, to file your motion. But it was never going to be me."
”https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/02/14/nyregion/eric-adams-charges-doj/b67279e2-948a-5d0f-b225-939db710d8a1?smid=url-share
”https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/02/14/nyregion/eric-adams-charges-doj/b67279e2-948a-5d0f-b225-939db710d8a1?smid=url-share
Reposted by Alexandra Gillies
Trump is taking a sledgehammer to the US's anti-corruption bona fides, and opening the door to kleptocrats and malign actors from around the world.
My piece for @financialtimes.com on the worst week in the history of anti-corruption efforts in US history:
www.ft.com/content/f9d1...
My piece for @financialtimes.com on the worst week in the history of anti-corruption efforts in US history:
www.ft.com/content/f9d1...
Trump is taking a sledgehammer to the anti-corruption cause
Recent moves by the president will open America’s doors to bad actors
www.ft.com
February 13, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Trump is taking a sledgehammer to the US's anti-corruption bona fides, and opening the door to kleptocrats and malign actors from around the world.
My piece for @financialtimes.com on the worst week in the history of anti-corruption efforts in US history:
www.ft.com/content/f9d1...
My piece for @financialtimes.com on the worst week in the history of anti-corruption efforts in US history:
www.ft.com/content/f9d1...
Of course he did
Sen. Robert Menendez has filed a notice of appeal against his corruption conviction and prison sentence.
![The following transaction was entered on 2/13/2025 at 10:05 AM EST and filed on 2/13/2025
Case Name: USA v. MENENDEZ
Case Number: 1:23-cr-00490-SHS
Filer: Dft No. 1 - Robert Menendez
Document Number: 753
Docket Text:
NOTICE OF APPEAL by Robert Menendez from [733] Judgment. Filing fee $ 605.00, receipt number 37146. (nd)](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:il7345tnmrhnzaufvgk5qfcx/bafkreif5mdz6jk4kzzd2f4tnmlcdr7xtpufccbg3emvqd7srxonboynyty@jpeg)
February 13, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Of course he did
20 hrs of exclusive interviews w the imprisoned "finance director" of an illegal online betting empire -- that's some of the incredible source material behind @occrp.org's latest story. 1/2
www.occrp.org/en/investiga...
www.occrp.org/en/investiga...
Inside the Global Online Betting Empire of a Slain Turkish Cypriot Businessman
Halil Falyali, a Turkish Cypriot businessman known for his flashy lifestyle and political connections, was shot dead in 2022. Behind the scenes, he allegedly ran a sprawling illegal online betting emp...
www.occrp.org
February 13, 2025 at 10:21 PM
20 hrs of exclusive interviews w the imprisoned "finance director" of an illegal online betting empire -- that's some of the incredible source material behind @occrp.org's latest story. 1/2
www.occrp.org/en/investiga...
www.occrp.org/en/investiga...
Reposted by Alexandra Gillies
The world's richest man, Elon Musk, is using a 2019 OCCRP investigation to attack the free press and U.S. humanitarian aid.
The story in question revealed how Rudy Giuliani enlisted questionable associates to dig up dirt in Ukraine.
The story in question revealed how Rudy Giuliani enlisted questionable associates to dig up dirt in Ukraine.
February 3, 2025 at 6:07 PM
The world's richest man, Elon Musk, is using a 2019 OCCRP investigation to attack the free press and U.S. humanitarian aid.
The story in question revealed how Rudy Giuliani enlisted questionable associates to dig up dirt in Ukraine.
The story in question revealed how Rudy Giuliani enlisted questionable associates to dig up dirt in Ukraine.
Reposted by Alexandra Gillies
Extraordinary outcome to this case - if this was not a SLAPP suit, can such a thing ever exist? @skcoughtrie.bsky.social @spotlightcorruption.org @transparencyuk.bsky.social
www.ft.com/content/571b...
www.ft.com/content/571b...
London lawyers for Wagner founder Prigozhin to face no action
Regulator ruled that Discreet Law did not know High Court claim was based on lies
www.ft.com
January 28, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Extraordinary outcome to this case - if this was not a SLAPP suit, can such a thing ever exist? @skcoughtrie.bsky.social @spotlightcorruption.org @transparencyuk.bsky.social
www.ft.com/content/571b...
www.ft.com/content/571b...
Reposted by Alexandra Gillies
US imposes sanctions on Viktor Orbán’s chief of staff for alleged corruption
https://www.ft.com/content/d43181bb-ca62-4510-927c-72430b0b0acd
https://www.ft.com/content/d43181bb-ca62-4510-927c-72430b0b0acd
US imposes sanctions on Viktor Orbán’s chief of staff for alleged corruption
Antal Rogán is Hungary’s highest-ranking official added to Treasury list since fall of Communism
www.ft.com
January 7, 2025 at 6:58 PM
US imposes sanctions on Viktor Orbán’s chief of staff for alleged corruption
https://www.ft.com/content/d43181bb-ca62-4510-927c-72430b0b0acd
https://www.ft.com/content/d43181bb-ca62-4510-927c-72430b0b0acd
Reposted by Alexandra Gillies
lots of people could say, rightfully, that if Melania were the wife of a foreign leader, this would be a bribe under the FCPA.
under US domestic bribery statutes, it requires an "official act" by the government official to become an illicit payment.
under US domestic bribery statutes, it requires an "official act" by the government official to become an illicit payment.
Amazon is paying Melania $40 million for her story puck.news/melania-trum...
Melania Trump Documentary Scores Massive Amazon Payday
It’s 2025, and even the Walt Disney Co. is kissing Donald Trump’s ring. But it’s still stunning that Amazon is paying a whopping $40 million to license the Brett Ratner-directed Melania Trump document...
puck.news
January 7, 2025 at 4:46 PM
lots of people could say, rightfully, that if Melania were the wife of a foreign leader, this would be a bribe under the FCPA.
under US domestic bribery statutes, it requires an "official act" by the government official to become an illicit payment.
under US domestic bribery statutes, it requires an "official act" by the government official to become an illicit payment.
🎉Congrats to @mairamartini.bsky.social and to the entire TI team on this decision!
Maira is a true leader who will bring great intelligence and dedication (and some fun!) to this role. We at GACC & @occrp.org look forward to continuing our partnership with Maira at the helm.
Maira is a true leader who will bring great intelligence and dedication (and some fun!) to this role. We at GACC & @occrp.org look forward to continuing our partnership with Maira at the helm.
🔵 We are pleased to announce that Transparency International's Board of Directors has appointed @mairamartini.bsky.social as Chief Executive Officer.
Maíra Martini appointed as Transparency International's Chief…
Maíra Martini has been appointed as the new Transparency International Secretariat's Chief Executive Officer
www.transparency.org
January 7, 2025 at 2:28 PM
🎉Congrats to @mairamartini.bsky.social and to the entire TI team on this decision!
Maira is a true leader who will bring great intelligence and dedication (and some fun!) to this role. We at GACC & @occrp.org look forward to continuing our partnership with Maira at the helm.
Maira is a true leader who will bring great intelligence and dedication (and some fun!) to this role. We at GACC & @occrp.org look forward to continuing our partnership with Maira at the helm.
Reposted by Alexandra Gillies
Aliyev's family acquired UK real estate worth 100s of millions. But there’s no way for the public to know who the real owners are — b/c of the treatment afforded to offshore trusts.
These loopholes make the UK a haven for elites to stash cash while evading accountability.
These loopholes make the UK a haven for elites to stash cash while evading accountability.
Luxury London Properties Linked to Family of Azerbaijan's President Are Hidden Behind an Offshore Trust
The family and associates of Azerbaijani strongman Ilham Aliyev acquired U.K. real estate worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Are they still holding onto their property empire? Despite new…
buff.ly
December 20, 2024 at 4:32 PM
Aliyev's family acquired UK real estate worth 100s of millions. But there’s no way for the public to know who the real owners are — b/c of the treatment afforded to offshore trusts.
These loopholes make the UK a haven for elites to stash cash while evading accountability.
These loopholes make the UK a haven for elites to stash cash while evading accountability.
“This is a partnership that’s built to last/Throwing off the restraints of your Soviet past”
Verses from a poem written by a UK House of Lords member as a glowing tribute to the repressive kleptocratic govt of Azerbaijan.
Read more from @occrp.org & @theguardian.com
www.occrp.org/en/project/k...
Verses from a poem written by a UK House of Lords member as a glowing tribute to the repressive kleptocratic govt of Azerbaijan.
Read more from @occrp.org & @theguardian.com
www.occrp.org/en/project/k...
Ahead of COP29, Azerbaijan Cultivated Allies in the U.K.’s House of Lords Who Praised its Leadership
This year’s host country for the COP climate conference, an authoritarian petrostate, has long courted members of Britain’s unelected legislative assembly. Ahead of the November talks, Azerbaijan redo...
www.occrp.org
December 20, 2024 at 4:23 PM
“This is a partnership that’s built to last/Throwing off the restraints of your Soviet past”
Verses from a poem written by a UK House of Lords member as a glowing tribute to the repressive kleptocratic govt of Azerbaijan.
Read more from @occrp.org & @theguardian.com
www.occrp.org/en/project/k...
Verses from a poem written by a UK House of Lords member as a glowing tribute to the repressive kleptocratic govt of Azerbaijan.
Read more from @occrp.org & @theguardian.com
www.occrp.org/en/project/k...
Reposted by Alexandra Gillies
Great profile piece from @jdowsea.bsky.social @occrp.org on Lord Evans of Watford and other peers covering their peculiar love for a corrupt and repressive regime in the South Caucuses www.occrp.org/en/project/k...
Ahead of COP29, Azerbaijan Cultivated Allies in the U.K.’s House of Lords Who Praised its Leadership
This year’s host country for the COP climate conference, an authoritarian petrostate, has long courted members of Britain’s unelected legislative assembly. Ahead of the November talks, Azerbaijan redo...
www.occrp.org
December 20, 2024 at 2:36 PM
Great profile piece from @jdowsea.bsky.social @occrp.org on Lord Evans of Watford and other peers covering their peculiar love for a corrupt and repressive regime in the South Caucuses www.occrp.org/en/project/k...
Reposted by Alexandra Gillies
Brilliant thread on the mystery surrounding whether the $700 mil of UK properties of the Aliyev-Pashayeva family of kelptocratic Azerbaiajn are still held by them. We don't know because of Isle of Man trusts. But why are these specific manx trusts so popular? 1/2
Who owns London’s luxury real estate? Sometimes there's no way to know.
The family of Azerbaijani dictator Ilham Aliyev held properties in the British capital worth millions of dollars. Do they still own them?
We can't tell. They’re hidden behind a secretive offshore trust.
Our latest story🧵👇
The family of Azerbaijani dictator Ilham Aliyev held properties in the British capital worth millions of dollars. Do they still own them?
We can't tell. They’re hidden behind a secretive offshore trust.
Our latest story🧵👇
Luxury London Properties Linked to Family of Azerbaijan's President Are Hidden Behind an Offshore Trust
The family and associates of Azerbaijani strongman Ilham Aliyev acquired U.K. real estate worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Are they still holding onto their property empire? Despite new transpar...
www.occrp.org
December 20, 2024 at 10:42 AM
Brilliant thread on the mystery surrounding whether the $700 mil of UK properties of the Aliyev-Pashayeva family of kelptocratic Azerbaiajn are still held by them. We don't know because of Isle of Man trusts. But why are these specific manx trusts so popular? 1/2
Reposted by Alexandra Gillies
Who owns London’s luxury real estate? Sometimes there's no way to know.
The family of Azerbaijani dictator Ilham Aliyev held properties in the British capital worth millions of dollars. Do they still own them?
We can't tell. They’re hidden behind a secretive offshore trust.
Our latest story🧵👇
The family of Azerbaijani dictator Ilham Aliyev held properties in the British capital worth millions of dollars. Do they still own them?
We can't tell. They’re hidden behind a secretive offshore trust.
Our latest story🧵👇
Luxury London Properties Linked to Family of Azerbaijan's President Are Hidden Behind an Offshore Trust
The family and associates of Azerbaijani strongman Ilham Aliyev acquired U.K. real estate worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Are they still holding onto their property empire? Despite new transpar...
www.occrp.org
December 19, 2024 at 6:30 PM
Who owns London’s luxury real estate? Sometimes there's no way to know.
The family of Azerbaijani dictator Ilham Aliyev held properties in the British capital worth millions of dollars. Do they still own them?
We can't tell. They’re hidden behind a secretive offshore trust.
Our latest story🧵👇
The family of Azerbaijani dictator Ilham Aliyev held properties in the British capital worth millions of dollars. Do they still own them?
We can't tell. They’re hidden behind a secretive offshore trust.
Our latest story🧵👇
Reposted by Alexandra Gillies
Kazakhstan's Senate passed an amendment to make the personal lives of former presidents & their families a state secret.
The measure would bar investigating or disclosing information about Nursultan Nazarbayev, who governed for three decades, & his family.
The measure would bar investigating or disclosing information about Nursultan Nazarbayev, who governed for three decades, & his family.
Kazakhstan’s Senate Approves State Secrets Law Expanding Ex-Presidents' Protections
Kazakh Parliament passes legal changes to make personal lives of ex-presidents and their families a state secret
www.occrp.org
December 19, 2024 at 9:31 AM
Kazakhstan's Senate passed an amendment to make the personal lives of former presidents & their families a state secret.
The measure would bar investigating or disclosing information about Nursultan Nazarbayev, who governed for three decades, & his family.
The measure would bar investigating or disclosing information about Nursultan Nazarbayev, who governed for three decades, & his family.
NEW INVESTIGATION 🇬🇧🇦🇿🏢🏘️
In 2021, OCCRP journalists needed leaked data to identify the $700m in UK property tied to Azerbaijan's ruling family.
After UK transparency reforms, how much is visible now?
Spoiler: More -- except for the 10 properties owned by trusts!
www.occrp.org/en/investiga...
In 2021, OCCRP journalists needed leaked data to identify the $700m in UK property tied to Azerbaijan's ruling family.
After UK transparency reforms, how much is visible now?
Spoiler: More -- except for the 10 properties owned by trusts!
www.occrp.org/en/investiga...
Luxury London Properties Linked to Family of Azerbaijan's President Are Hidden Behind an Offshore Trust
The family and associates of Azerbaijani strongman Ilham Aliyev acquired U.K. real estate worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Are they still holding onto their property empire? Despite new transpar...
www.occrp.org
December 19, 2024 at 4:59 PM
NEW INVESTIGATION 🇬🇧🇦🇿🏢🏘️
In 2021, OCCRP journalists needed leaked data to identify the $700m in UK property tied to Azerbaijan's ruling family.
After UK transparency reforms, how much is visible now?
Spoiler: More -- except for the 10 properties owned by trusts!
www.occrp.org/en/investiga...
In 2021, OCCRP journalists needed leaked data to identify the $700m in UK property tied to Azerbaijan's ruling family.
After UK transparency reforms, how much is visible now?
Spoiler: More -- except for the 10 properties owned by trusts!
www.occrp.org/en/investiga...