Follow the Money: The Podcast Inside the NATO corruption schandal
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Oct 29, 2025 In this insightful discussion, investigative reporter Simon van Dorpe, who co-authored a key NATO corruption investigation, shares chilling findings that emerged from cross-border reporting. He reveals the unexpected drop of US charges against four suspects shortly after high-profile arrests, suggesting possible political interference. The conversation dives into the mechanics of kickback schemes in defense contracting and explores Turkey's role in the scandal. Listeners will grasp the wider implications for global anti-corruption efforts and the troubling reliance on US investigations by European nations.
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Network Targeted NATO Procurement
- Multiple linked corruption probes targeted NATO's procurement agency, NSPA, across the US, Belgium and the Netherlands.
- Investigators allege insiders passed confidential procurement information to companies in exchange for bribes.
Dramatic Mid‑May Arrests
- Arrests occurred in mid-May, including a man detained while taking his kids to school in Switzerland.
- Initial press releases signalled a large story but many details remained unknown for months.
What NSPA Actually Does
- NSPA is a Luxembourg‑based NATO procurement hub handling many pooled defense purchases for member states.
- It employs around 1,700 people and manages contracts for ammunition, fuel, drones, helicopters and more.