James Dowsett
@jdowsea.bsky.social
Investigative reporter @occrp.org
Reposted by James Dowsett
Proposed amendments would require government approval for most foreign funding and impose criminal penalties, raising fears of a crackdown on independent civil society and journalism.
www.occrp.org/en/news/geor...
www.occrp.org/en/news/geor...
Georgia Moves to Tighten Control Over Foreign-Funded NGOs and Media
Proposed amendments would require government approval for most foreign funding and impose criminal penalties, raising fears of a crackdown on independent civil society and journalism.
www.occrp.org
January 29, 2026 at 4:07 PM
Proposed amendments would require government approval for most foreign funding and impose criminal penalties, raising fears of a crackdown on independent civil society and journalism.
www.occrp.org/en/news/geor...
www.occrp.org/en/news/geor...
Reposted by James Dowsett
Amid reports of Russia’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers evading sanctions, maritime data analyzed by iFact shows vessels hiding their movements across the Black Sea before appearing in Georgian waters.
www.occrp.org/en/news/secr...
www.occrp.org/en/news/secr...
Secret Sailings: Oil Tankers Turn off Tracking Between Russian and Georgian Ports
Amid reports of Russia’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers evading sanctions, maritime data analyzed by iFact shows vessels hiding their movements across the Black Sea before appearing in Georgian waters.
www.occrp.org
January 28, 2026 at 10:29 AM
Amid reports of Russia’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers evading sanctions, maritime data analyzed by iFact shows vessels hiding their movements across the Black Sea before appearing in Georgian waters.
www.occrp.org/en/news/secr...
www.occrp.org/en/news/secr...
Reposted by James Dowsett
The European Court of Human Rights ruled that criminal cases against investigative reporter Khadija Ismayilova were aimed at punishing her journalism, ordering Baku to pay damages.
www.occrp.org/en/news/euro...
www.occrp.org/en/news/euro...
Europe’s Top Rights Court: Azerbaijan Prosecuted Journalist to Silence Her
The European Court of Human Rights ruled that criminal cases against investigative reporter Khadija Ismayilova were aimed at punishing her journalism, ordering Baku to pay damages.
www.occrp.org
January 27, 2026 at 8:14 PM
The European Court of Human Rights ruled that criminal cases against investigative reporter Khadija Ismayilova were aimed at punishing her journalism, ordering Baku to pay damages.
www.occrp.org/en/news/euro...
www.occrp.org/en/news/euro...
Reposted by James Dowsett
"The government has the guns. But the people? They have nothing left to lose.”
OCCRP investigative journalist Mahtab Divsalar explains the corruption that led to Iran’s deadly protests.
#Iran #IranProtests #corruption
OCCRP investigative journalist Mahtab Divsalar explains the corruption that led to Iran’s deadly protests.
#Iran #IranProtests #corruption
January 23, 2026 at 1:36 PM
"The government has the guns. But the people? They have nothing left to lose.”
OCCRP investigative journalist Mahtab Divsalar explains the corruption that led to Iran’s deadly protests.
#Iran #IranProtests #corruption
OCCRP investigative journalist Mahtab Divsalar explains the corruption that led to Iran’s deadly protests.
#Iran #IranProtests #corruption
Reposted by James Dowsett
The conviction marks the second time a former German MP has been found guilty of bribery charges stemming from OCCRP’s reporting on the Azerbaijani Laundromat money laundering and influence-peddling scheme.
www.occrp.org/en/news/form...
www.occrp.org/en/news/form...
Former German MP Gets Suspended Sentence for Azerbaijani Bribes
The conviction marks the second time a former German MP has been found guilty of bribery charges stemming from OCCRP’s reporting on the Azerbaijani Laundromat money laundering and influence-peddling...
www.occrp.org
January 23, 2026 at 3:49 PM
The conviction marks the second time a former German MP has been found guilty of bribery charges stemming from OCCRP’s reporting on the Azerbaijani Laundromat money laundering and influence-peddling scheme.
www.occrp.org/en/news/form...
www.occrp.org/en/news/form...
Reposted by James Dowsett
The extortion claims have surfaced during a rare window of connectivity in an otherwise total communications blackout, adding to harrowing accounts of a crackdown on anti-government protests that has left thousands dead.
www.occrp.org/en/news/iran...
www.occrp.org/en/news/iran...
Iranian Authorities Accused of Demanding Payment to Hand Over Bodies of Protesters
The extortion claims have surfaced during a rare window of connectivity in an otherwise total communications blackout, adding to harrowing accounts of a crackdown on anti-government protests that has...
www.occrp.org
January 21, 2026 at 12:24 PM
The extortion claims have surfaced during a rare window of connectivity in an otherwise total communications blackout, adding to harrowing accounts of a crackdown on anti-government protests that has left thousands dead.
www.occrp.org/en/news/iran...
www.occrp.org/en/news/iran...
Reposted by James Dowsett
Georgian security services are investigating an alleged “cyberattack” on a government website after journalists reported on a publicly posted decree containing confidential details about gas purchases from Russia’s Gazprom.
www.occrp.org/en/news/geor...
www.occrp.org/en/news/geor...
Georgia Probes How Russian Gas Purchase Details Appeared on Government Website
Georgian security services are investigating an alleged “cyberattack” on a government website after journalists reported on a publicly posted decree containing confidential details about gas purchases...
www.occrp.org
January 16, 2026 at 7:05 PM
Georgian security services are investigating an alleged “cyberattack” on a government website after journalists reported on a publicly posted decree containing confidential details about gas purchases from Russia’s Gazprom.
www.occrp.org/en/news/geor...
www.occrp.org/en/news/geor...
Reposted by James Dowsett
The latest sanctions package also includes measures targeting financial networks accused of moving Iranian oil revenues through front companies abroad.
US Sanctions Iranian Security Officials Over Protest Crackdown
The latest sanctions package also includes measures targeting financial networks accused of moving Iranian oil revenues through front companies abroad.
buff.ly
January 16, 2026 at 3:05 PM
The latest sanctions package also includes measures targeting financial networks accused of moving Iranian oil revenues through front companies abroad.
Reposted by James Dowsett
Last week we and MeydanTV published this story about an Azerbaijani football stadium contract that was awarded to a company linked to President Aliyev’s family.
No officials ever responded to our requests for comment. Then, after we published, the data in the public procurement portal changed. 👇
No officials ever responded to our requests for comment. Then, after we published, the data in the public procurement portal changed. 👇
January 15, 2026 at 1:44 PM
Last week we and MeydanTV published this story about an Azerbaijani football stadium contract that was awarded to a company linked to President Aliyev’s family.
No officials ever responded to our requests for comment. Then, after we published, the data in the public procurement portal changed. 👇
No officials ever responded to our requests for comment. Then, after we published, the data in the public procurement portal changed. 👇
Reposted by James Dowsett
Reposted by James Dowsett
🚨OCCRP Job Alert🚨
Are you an experienced analyst and writer able to produce high-caliber content for a professional audience?
OCCRP Pro is looking for a freelance Senior Analyst to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights.
Apply now:
Are you an experienced analyst and writer able to produce high-caliber content for a professional audience?
OCCRP Pro is looking for a freelance Senior Analyst to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights.
Apply now:
Senior Analyst - OCCRP PRO (Freelance)
Senior Analyst - OCCRP PRO (Freelance) Location: European timezone (GMT +/- 3 hours) - RemoteCommitment: Up to 60 hours per month (freelance contract) About OCCRP OCCRP is a non-profit investigative…
buff.ly
January 13, 2026 at 5:04 PM
🚨OCCRP Job Alert🚨
Are you an experienced analyst and writer able to produce high-caliber content for a professional audience?
OCCRP Pro is looking for a freelance Senior Analyst to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights.
Apply now:
Are you an experienced analyst and writer able to produce high-caliber content for a professional audience?
OCCRP Pro is looking for a freelance Senior Analyst to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights.
Apply now:
Reposted by James Dowsett
🚨OCCRP Job Alert🚨
Are you an experienced analyst and writer able to produce high-caliber content for a professional audience?
OCCRP Pro is looking for a freelance Senior Analyst to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights.
Apply now:
Are you an experienced analyst and writer able to produce high-caliber content for a professional audience?
OCCRP Pro is looking for a freelance Senior Analyst to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights.
Apply now:
Senior Analyst - OCCRP PRO (Freelance)
Senior Analyst - OCCRP PRO (Freelance) Location: European timezone (GMT +/- 3 hours) - RemoteCommitment: Up to 60 hours per month (freelance contract) About OCCRP OCCRP is a non-profit investigative…
buff.ly
January 12, 2026 at 5:00 PM
🚨OCCRP Job Alert🚨
Are you an experienced analyst and writer able to produce high-caliber content for a professional audience?
OCCRP Pro is looking for a freelance Senior Analyst to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights.
Apply now:
Are you an experienced analyst and writer able to produce high-caliber content for a professional audience?
OCCRP Pro is looking for a freelance Senior Analyst to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights.
Apply now:
Reposted by James Dowsett
From Tehran’s squares to quiet provincial towns, Iranians of all ages have taken to the streets as economic hardship fuels unprecedented nationwide unrest and a harsh state crackdown.
www.occrp.org/en/news/doze...
www.occrp.org/en/news/doze...
Dozens Killed As Nationwide Anti-Government Protests Rock Iran
From Tehran’s squares to quiet provincial towns, Iranians of all ages have taken to the streets as economic hardship fuels unprecedented nationwide unrest and a harsh state crackdown.
www.occrp.org
January 9, 2026 at 5:49 PM
From Tehran’s squares to quiet provincial towns, Iranians of all ages have taken to the streets as economic hardship fuels unprecedented nationwide unrest and a harsh state crackdown.
www.occrp.org/en/news/doze...
www.occrp.org/en/news/doze...
Reposted by James Dowsett
While President Ilham Aliyev has publicly criticized corruption among state officials, the Ministry of Youth and Sports awarded a $36 million contract to a company owned by members of his family.
www.occrp.org/en/news/azer...
www.occrp.org/en/news/azer...
Azerbaijan Awards $36 Million Stadium Contract to Company Linked to President’s Family
While President Ilham Aliyev has publicly criticized corruption among state officials, the Ministry of Youth and Sports awarded a $36 million contract to a company owned by members of his family.
www.occrp.org
January 8, 2026 at 1:29 PM
While President Ilham Aliyev has publicly criticized corruption among state officials, the Ministry of Youth and Sports awarded a $36 million contract to a company owned by members of his family.
www.occrp.org/en/news/azer...
www.occrp.org/en/news/azer...
Azerbaijan puts 12 journalists on trial, incl. six from Meydan TV,
@occrp.org's member center, accused of financial crimes they deny.
@rsf.org calls the case a “textbook example of judicial harassment.”
Up to 12 years in prison if convicted.
@occrp.org's member center, accused of financial crimes they deny.
@rsf.org calls the case a “textbook example of judicial harassment.”
Up to 12 years in prison if convicted.
Trial of Meydan TV Journalists Begins in Azerbaijan A Year After Arrests
Press watchdog Reporters Without Borders slammed the financial crimes charges as “blatantly fabricated” and demanded the journalists’ “immediate release.”
www.occrp.org
December 12, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Azerbaijan puts 12 journalists on trial, incl. six from Meydan TV,
@occrp.org's member center, accused of financial crimes they deny.
@rsf.org calls the case a “textbook example of judicial harassment.”
Up to 12 years in prison if convicted.
@occrp.org's member center, accused of financial crimes they deny.
@rsf.org calls the case a “textbook example of judicial harassment.”
Up to 12 years in prison if convicted.
Reposted by James Dowsett
Land records reveal a 33.7 million pounds London mansion owned by sanctioned Iranian banker Ali Ansari, accused of aiding the IRGC.
www.occrp.org/en/news/sanc...
www.occrp.org/en/news/sanc...
Sanctioned Iranian Banker Owns Multi-Million-Pound London Mansion
Land records reveal a 33.7 million pounds London mansion owned by sanctioned Iranian banker Ali Ansari, accused of aiding the IRGC.
www.occrp.org
November 5, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Land records reveal a 33.7 million pounds London mansion owned by sanctioned Iranian banker Ali Ansari, accused of aiding the IRGC.
www.occrp.org/en/news/sanc...
www.occrp.org/en/news/sanc...
Reposted by James Dowsett
UK accuses Iranian banker of funding Revolutionary Guard, imposing an asset freeze and travel ban against him.
www.occrp.org/en/news/uk-s...
www.occrp.org/en/news/uk-s...
UK Sanctions Iranian Tycoon for Allegedly Financing Iran’s Revolutionary Guard
UK accuses Iranian banker of funding Revolutionary Guard, imposing an asset freeze and travel ban against him.
www.occrp.org
October 31, 2025 at 4:56 PM
UK accuses Iranian banker of funding Revolutionary Guard, imposing an asset freeze and travel ban against him.
www.occrp.org/en/news/uk-s...
www.occrp.org/en/news/uk-s...
Reposted by James Dowsett
Kyrgyzstan requested a Red Notice for Rinat Tuhvatshin, co-founder of Kloop, in an apparent attempt to silence him abroad. The government has been cracking down on all independent media critical of its actions.
www.occrp.org/en/news/inte...
www.occrp.org/en/news/inte...
Interpol Rejects Kyrgyzstan’s Request for a Warrant against Independent Media Co-Founder
Kyrgyzstan requested a Red Notice for Rinat Tuhvatshin, co-founder of Kloop, in an apparent attempt to silence him abroad. The government has been cracking down on all independent media critical of its...
www.occrp.org
October 31, 2025 at 10:43 AM
Kyrgyzstan requested a Red Notice for Rinat Tuhvatshin, co-founder of Kloop, in an apparent attempt to silence him abroad. The government has been cracking down on all independent media critical of its actions.
www.occrp.org/en/news/inte...
www.occrp.org/en/news/inte...
Reposted by James Dowsett
House arrest ordered for former Azerbaijani presidential chief of staff on treason, attempted coup, and money laundering charges.
www.occrp.org/en/news/azer...
www.occrp.org/en/news/azer...
Azerbaijan’s Former Presidential Chief of Staff Placed Under House Arrest
House arrest ordered for former Azerbaijani presidential chief of staff on treason, attempted coup, and money laundering charges.
www.occrp.org
October 15, 2025 at 5:22 PM
House arrest ordered for former Azerbaijani presidential chief of staff on treason, attempted coup, and money laundering charges.
www.occrp.org/en/news/azer...
www.occrp.org/en/news/azer...
Reposted by James Dowsett
Rza Talibov sold off assets in 2023 during a crackdown on his father’s oppressive administration in Nakhchivan, an autonomous region of Azerbaijan. Now, he’s re-taken control of a luxury hotel, along with another property on Georgia's Black Sea coast.
www.occrp.org/en/news/excl...
www.occrp.org/en/news/excl...
EXCLUSIVE: Azerbaijani Ex-Autocrat's Son Buys Back Luxury Hotel Sold Amid Political Upheaval
Rza Talibov sold off assets in 2023 during a crackdown on his father’s oppressive administration in Nakhchivan, an autonomous region of Azerbaijan. Now, he’s re-taken control of a luxury hotel, along...
www.occrp.org
September 23, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Rza Talibov sold off assets in 2023 during a crackdown on his father’s oppressive administration in Nakhchivan, an autonomous region of Azerbaijan. Now, he’s re-taken control of a luxury hotel, along with another property on Georgia's Black Sea coast.
www.occrp.org/en/news/excl...
www.occrp.org/en/news/excl...
🚨 An Israeli man dubbed “The Tinder Swindler” in a 2022 Netflix documentary has been detained in Georgia at Interpol’s request, after Germany accused him of conning a woman out of nearly €44,000.
His lawyer told @occrp.org he denies the allegation.
His lawyer told @occrp.org he denies the allegation.
“Tinder Swindler” Arrested in Georgia, Placed in Extradition Custody
A Georgian court has remanded Israeli national Shimon Hayut, the focus of a 2022 Netflix documentary, in custody for three months pending a possible extradition request from Germany.
www.occrp.org
September 17, 2025 at 3:44 PM
🚨 An Israeli man dubbed “The Tinder Swindler” in a 2022 Netflix documentary has been detained in Georgia at Interpol’s request, after Germany accused him of conning a woman out of nearly €44,000.
His lawyer told @occrp.org he denies the allegation.
His lawyer told @occrp.org he denies the allegation.
Reposted by James Dowsett
Juansher Burchuladze is alleged to have directed an embezzlement scheme, and used stolen funds to buy property in Spain. Through his lawyer, he denied the allegations.
www.occrp.org/en/news/geor...
www.occrp.org/en/news/geor...
Georgia Detains Former Defence Minister on Money Laundering and Abuse of Power Charges
Juansher Burchuladze is alleged to have directed an embezzlement scheme, and used stolen funds to buy property in Spain. Through his lawyer, he denied the allegations.
www.occrp.org
September 12, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Juansher Burchuladze is alleged to have directed an embezzlement scheme, and used stolen funds to buy property in Spain. Through his lawyer, he denied the allegations.
www.occrp.org/en/news/geor...
www.occrp.org/en/news/geor...
Reposted by James Dowsett
A veteran journalist thought she survived the siege of Sarajevo unscathed — but in recent weeks, horrific stories emerging from the war in Gaza reignited her long-buried trauma.
www.occrp.org/en/feature/t...
www.occrp.org/en/feature/t...
The War That Came Back to Me
A veteran journalist thought she survived the siege of Sarajevo unscathed — but in recent weeks, horrific stories emerging from the war in Gaza reignited her long-buried trauma.
www.occrp.org
September 3, 2025 at 4:33 PM
A veteran journalist thought she survived the siege of Sarajevo unscathed — but in recent weeks, horrific stories emerging from the war in Gaza reignited her long-buried trauma.
www.occrp.org/en/feature/t...
www.occrp.org/en/feature/t...
Reposted by James Dowsett
Seven years ago today, OCCRP, Berlingske, and international partners exposed the Azerbaijani Laundromat — a $2.9bn money-laundering operation and slush fund run by Azerbaijan's elite.
From bank shutdowns to arrests and jail time, here's what's happened since:
From bank shutdowns to arrests and jail time, here's what's happened since:
September 4, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Seven years ago today, OCCRP, Berlingske, and international partners exposed the Azerbaijani Laundromat — a $2.9bn money-laundering operation and slush fund run by Azerbaijan's elite.
From bank shutdowns to arrests and jail time, here's what's happened since:
From bank shutdowns to arrests and jail time, here's what's happened since:
Reposted by James Dowsett
According to @rsf.org data, 220 journalists have been killed by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip in less than 23 months.
Today, OCCRP is joining an international media blackout campaign, organized by RSF and @avaaz.org, calling for the protection of Palestinian journalists in Gaza.
Today, OCCRP is joining an international media blackout campaign, organized by RSF and @avaaz.org, calling for the protection of Palestinian journalists in Gaza.
September 1, 2025 at 9:23 AM
According to @rsf.org data, 220 journalists have been killed by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip in less than 23 months.
Today, OCCRP is joining an international media blackout campaign, organized by RSF and @avaaz.org, calling for the protection of Palestinian journalists in Gaza.
Today, OCCRP is joining an international media blackout campaign, organized by RSF and @avaaz.org, calling for the protection of Palestinian journalists in Gaza.