Azerbaijani Laundromat Scandal: A Year Later, European Democracy Still Under Threat

A Chilling Reminder of Corruption and the Power of Journalism

• Khadija Ismayilova, Azerbaijani journalist, speaks at OCCRP annual meeting in Riga, Latvia
• Journalism and advocacy organizations uncovered corruption in government and politics across Europe
• Ismayilova’s freedom came with a price: travel ban and journalistic restrictions

Lessons Learned and Accountability Efforts

Exposing Undermining of European Democracy

• €2.6 billion money laundering scheme through UK-based shell companies
• Funds used for reputation laundering in Europe and US
• Witnesses testified about brown-envelope bribes at PACE

Italy

• Former PACE parliamentarian Luca Volontè under investigation
• Authorities looking into Danske Bank money trail and offshore shell companies

Belgium

• Politician Alain Destexhe under scrutiny

Human Rights Violations in Azerbaijan

• Azerbaijani authorities froze Ismayilova’s bank account and fined her for alleged tax evasion
• European Parliament expresses concerns

Making it Harder for Corrupt Forces to Infiltrate European Institutions

• UK Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal can punish lawyers who enable grand corruption
• Case of Khalid Sharif, senior London lawyer who set up shell company for Azerbaijan’s president’s daughters

The Fight Continues

• Transparency International and partners keep the pressure on those involved in the Azerbaijani Laundromat scandal
• Seeking justice for victims of grand corruption in Azerbaijan

“These steps – these efforts all together – helped stop the dirty lobby in the Council of Europe. It basically made European politicians more responsible.” - Khadija Ismayilova