Latest Investigations from the Balkans
Car Pollution Checks Fall by the Wayside
The government still hasn’t followed through on the Prime Minister’s order to carry out mandatory exhaust checks.
Offshore Cash Bankrolls PTK Purchase
ACP Axos Capital’s buyout of the Kosovo telecoms company is financed through a Caribbean tax haven but the purchasers deny claims that they’ve got something to hide.
Politics Sway Airport’s Lucrative Sponsorships
The profitable public company has proven a generous donor to causes dear to the ruling URS, which controls the airport.
Slovenian Investigation Ensnares IPKO
Corruption probe into Telekom Slovenije revives accusations that bribery helped secure the mobile phone license of Kosovo’s second-largest provider.
Tax-Haven Data Leak Exposes Albanian Politician
A former opposition MP who headed Albania’s largest public corporation failed to disclose an offshore entity as required by law, Balkan Insight can reveal.
Kusturica Quits Nature Park Post in Acrimony
Film director says there is no going back on his decision to quit running the Mokra Gora nature park - as the row over procurements for the park rumbles on.
Macedonian Defence Minister Has Criminal Record
Before his controversial appointment as defence minister, Talat Xhaferi received a suspended jail sentence for obstructing a policeman in his duties, Balkan Insight can reveal.
Bosnia Mine Tragedy ‘Could Have Been Prevented’
A fatal accident at Bosnia’s Breza coal mine last year might not have happened if the management did not ignore safety legislation, a BIRN investigation has revealed.
Unwary Albanian Diners Consume Banned Hormones
Albanians love their local meat, believing it especially pure - little do they know that it often contains a dangerous hormone that EU countries have banned for good reason.
Flush PDK Leaders Take Invalids’ Pensions
Kosovo Mayor and an MP defend getting invalidity benefits on top of their considerable salaries, in spite of having no visible injuries.
Secretive Takeover Leaves Macedonian TV’s Fate in Dark
Journalists at Alfa TV fear layoffs and two current affairs shows have been axed since the station - previously critical of the government - was sold in circumstances, and under terms, that remain unclear.
Jeremic Faces Questions over Procurement Violation
Two state institutions led by Vuk Jeremic engaged in dubious practices when buying plane tickets from the same travel agency.
Macedonia’s Costly Media Campaigns Raise Suspicions
While the government says the 20 million euro it spent in five years on various info-awareness campaigns has educated people, critics are deeply sceptical of their value.
Fissures in the Faith: Rise of Conservative Islamists Alarms Kosovans
Followers of stricter forms of Islam are demanding more rights in Kosovo, provoking a backlash among secularists.
‘Want to Work? Join the Party’: Contacts Trump Merit in Balkan Job Market
Governing parties in Macedonia stand accused of reserving desirable public sector jobs for their supporters, driving frustrated youth abroad.
