OCCRP Weekly News Roundup

Published: 18 June 2012

Russian Tit for Tat

By OCCRP

Rightfully so, media outlets have written extensively about Moscow authorities’ decision to search the homes of several key Russian opposition figures before Tuesday’s large rally. Allegedly, the search was in connection to clashes between activists and riot police on May 6.

Of course, the Russian Investigation Committee couldn’t miss searching the home of firebrand blogger, Alexei Navalny, who labeled the ruling party, United Russia, a “party of crooks and thieves.”

Russian authorities are fighting Navalny not only at his home, but on his other turf – the internet. Members of the ruling party are planning to create a website where United Russia members can register their dissatisfaction with remarks made by Navalny. The website’s intention is to sue Navalny; if all members were to sign, the lawsuit could exceed US$1.8 billion.

Surprisingly, some Russian businessmen – not traditionally allied with the opposition – are joining forces with Navalny.

The organization will use the money to pay for lawyers who work on uncovering corruption.

An Opportunity Perhaps Not Completely Squandered

Some have called it a lost opportunity for Ukraine.

Some politicians bemoan the fact that Ukraine is co-hosting the Euro 2012 football championship in the face of charges of corruption, racism and the continued imprisonment of former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko.

On Sunday, a group of nuns took to the streets to protest what some posters said is the city authorities’ desire to “destroy” their chapel, while Ukrainian language purists marched without retaliation. Banners in support of the opposition that back Yulia Tymoshenko sailed through the air.

Ukrainians have grievances, and it’s unlikely the current government is going to crackdown while in the world’s spotlight. Time will tell if such activism, and attention, will continue after the tournament.

But if the situation prior to Euro 2012 is s any sign, it’s not time for optimism yet.

Organized Crime from the Hood (of a car)

Romanian authorities captured this video of Romanian gonzo thieves in a fit of madcap audacity akin to something Hollywood would only attempt with CGI.

At a high speed and in darkness, a thief tried to enter the back hatch of a moving commercial truck from the hood of his colleague’s car. Another colleague, fitted through the car’s sunroof, held his legs.

Leaders of the group allegedly include members of the Santer Porumbita family and Danut Ion, previously associated with the notorious Camataru brothers organized crime group. On Tuesday, Romanian authorities searched 21 locations in connection with the group’s stunts, which allegedly resulted in over €300,000 in stolen merchandise.

Bulgarian Busts

And some more promising news:

According to information from the Bulgarian Ministry of Interior, the country’s special forces received a positive evaluation in drug proliferation and drug trafficking from Brian Nichols, a U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state for international narcotics and law enforcement affairs.

And earlier in the week, not related to drugs but still a coup for Bulgarian authorities, three members of a transnational crime ring that specialized in money laundering, human trafficking and sexual exploitation were arrested In Bulgaria. Others in the network were arrested in France and Belgium.

Police in Belgium, France, Poland, Bulgaria, Eurojust and Europol collaborated on the effort.

We can only imagine what kind of “investments” a crime ring would make.