Follow the Money: The Podcast

Lorenzo Bagnoli, a Milan-based reporter who led the investigation into a Libyan detention center, discusses the troubling case of Osema Habish Najim Almasri, a war criminal released by Italy just 48 hours after his arrest. He reveals the alleged atrocities linked to Almasri, including torture and murder. Bagnoli explains Italy's prioritization of migration politics over international justice, the EU's muted reaction, and the implications for the ICC's authority. He also outlines potential future shifts in both Libyan and Italian judicial landscapes.

Manon Stravens, an investigative journalist, exposes the dark underbelly of Morocco's phosphate industry, focusing on the state-owned giant OCP. She discusses environmental and health hazards due to pollution, including toxic emissions and a shocking rate of dental fluorosis in local communities. Manon recounts her harrowing experiences while reporting, including surveillance and security threats. The podcast also highlights the tension between Morocco's economic role in global markets and the humanitarian costs borne by its people.

Sebastiaan Brommersma, a reporter and investigator for Follow the Money, delves into alarming findings about the tech company Zivver, which supposedly safeguards sensitive health data. He reveals that Zivver can access private messages and discusses its acquisition by Kiteworks, a firm linked to former Israeli spies, raising national security concerns. The conversation explores U.S. laws like the Cloud Act, potential misuse of data, and the implications for digital sovereignty in Europe. Brommersma emphasizes a worrying loss of control over European citizens' data.

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.

Jesse Pinster, an investigative journalist focused on Hungarian politics, delves into Viktor Orbán's controversial dealings. He reveals how EU funds and state assets are funneled to Orbán’s cronies, highlighting the troubling trend of cronyism shaping Hungary. Jesse discusses the privatization of the defense industry to allies, the opacity that conceals favoritism, and EU struggles to enforce compliance. He also underscores the timing of these asset transfers, especially ahead of elections, which accelerates the pattern of political favoritism.

Olivier van Beemen, an investigative journalist known for his insights on African parks and conservation, dives into a controversial EU-funded project in Congo led by a Belgian prince. He uncovers how over €157 million was spent, revealing setbacks like Bitcoin mining in the rainforest. Van Beemen critiques the militarized protection of wildlife, sheds light on local conflicts, and discusses how colonial legacies influence perceptions of the prince's management. The podcast raises ethical questions about funding and conservation in a fraught context.

Vas Panagiotopoulos, an investigative journalist based in Australia, dives deep into the shadowy world of spyware funding. He reveals shocking insights into how European taxpayers unknowingly finance surveillance companies linked to human rights abuses. The discussion covers the devastating impacts of spyware on journalists and activists, the opaque funding mechanisms, and the alarming lack of oversight. Vas also highlights notorious firms profiting from these subsidies and why governments resist stricter regulations on surveillance practices.

Irene van den Berg, an investigative journalist known for exposing misleading health supplement claims, discusses the rampant false advertising in Europe’s booming health supplement market. Nearly half of evaluated products violate EU rules, with Nestlé leading the charge. Irene shares eye-opening details on the weak enforcement of these regulations, the loopholes used by big companies, and the alarming trend of marketing unhealthy foods alongside dubious supplements. She warns of the financial and health risks consumers face, driven by a culture that craves quick fixes.

Hans Wetzels, an investigative journalist known for his work on industrial fishing in Senegal, joins the conversation to expose how European companies exploit Senegal's rich fishing grounds. He reveals how joint ventures allow these firms to claim Senegalese flags while profits vanish back to Europe. Wetzels shares alarming stories of local fishermen facing declining catches and the impact this crisis has on youth, driving them to migrate. The podcast delves into the intricacies of international fishing agreements and the opaque financial flows that sustain this exploitation.

Investigative journalist James Imam, based in Milan, dives into Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's ambitious but disastrous offshore migrant centers in Albania. He reveals how the project turned into a €70 million mess with spiraling costs and empty beds. Imam discusses the political dynamics between Italy and Albania and the EU's ongoing support despite legal hurdles and human rights concerns. He further highlights the troubling human impact, including tragic outcomes for migrants caught in the flawed system.