All articles tagged with #corruption probe
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's wife, Begoña Gómez, has been summoned to testify in a corruption probe, which Sánchez and his government allege is a smear campaign by far-right groups. The investigation, initiated by the group Manos Limpias, coincides with the upcoming European Parliament elections. Sánchez has publicly defended his wife and criticized the timing and motives behind the allegations.
Peruvian President Dina Boluarte was interrogated by prosecutors for five hours amid an expanding probe into allegations of illicit enrichment and failure to declare assets, including luxury watches and jewelry. The unfolding scandal, dubbed "Rolexgate," has sparked protests and scuffles in Lima, with Boluarte's popularity at an all-time low. Despite the investigation, analysts believe she is unlikely to face consequences in the short term due to legal and political constraints, and her alliance with congressional leaders.
Peruvian President Dina Boluarte was interrogated by prosecutors for five hours amid an expanding probe into allegations of illicit enrichment and failure to declare assets, including luxury watches and jewelry. The unfolding scandal, dubbed "Rolexgate," has sparked protests and further eroded Boluarte's already low popularity. Despite the investigation, analysts believe she is unlikely to face immediate consequences due to legal and political constraints, and her alliance with congressional leaders is expected to keep her in office until 2026.
Former head of Spanish soccer, Luis Rubiales, denies sexually assaulting a player with an unwanted kiss, claiming it was consensual and that he's being questioned because he's a man. Spanish prosecutors seek a prison sentence for Rubiales, who insists there was nothing sexual about the kiss and that he had asked for consent. The player, Jennifer Hermoso, has stated she did not consent and has faced consequences for an act she didn't provoke. Rubiales has also been detained for questioning in an ongoing corruption probe related to his tenure as RFEF president.
Former Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales was detained by police at Madrid's airport amid an ongoing corruption probe related to a business deal to hold the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia. He was later released and is expected to be summoned for further questioning. Rubiales had been in the Dominican Republic when police raided his property and the federation's offices, leading to the detention of seven people. The investigation is looking into contracts for the Spanish Super Cup and the federation's connections with Seville's La Cartuja Stadium. Rubiales had previously caused controversy for kissing Spain player Jenni Hermoso without her consent at the Women's World Cup final and is facing a trial for allegedly sexually assaulting her, which he denies.
Thousands of supporters and top leaders of India’s opposition coalition rallied in the capital to protest the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal ahead of the general election, decrying "autocracy" and accusing the government of using law enforcement agencies to intimidate opposition leaders. Kejriwal, a key figure in the opposition alliance challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was arrested in connection with a corruption probe involving alleged kickbacks in liquor licenses. The opposition leaders condemned the arrest and accused the ruling party of leading the country towards ruin, while Kejriwal's wife conveyed his message of gratitude to the people of India. The parliamentary election is set to begin on April 19, with analysts predicting Modi's re-election despite criticism of his government's tactics.
Ukraine has dismissed two senior cyber defence officials, Yurii Shchyhol and Viktor Zhora, amid an ongoing investigation into alleged embezzlement in the government's cyber security agency. The officials are suspected of buying software at an inflated price from companies allegedly under their control, resulting in the embezzlement of 62 million Ukrainian hryvnia ($1.72 million) between 2020 and 2022. Ukraine has been intensifying its efforts to combat corruption as it seeks EU membership, with recent investigations targeting high-profile individuals.
António Costa's resignation as prime minister of Portugal has dashed the hopes of Europe's socialists for him to secure a powerful role in Brussels after the 2024 European election. Costa was the socialists' pick to succeed Charles Michel as European Council president, but his resignation due to a corruption probe has thrown his future into uncertainty. Spain's Pedro Sánchez is a potential alternative, but his minority government and challenges from right-wing opposition may make a high-profile post in Brussels appealing. Other former socialist prime ministers, such as Sanna Marin and Mette Frederiksen, face criticism and potential obstacles in securing top EU jobs. Mario Draghi, the former president of the European Central Bank, is considered a long shot due to his technocratic background and lack of party affiliation.
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has announced that he will dissolve the country's parliament in December and hold early elections in March 2024, following the resignation of Prime Minister António Costa amid a corruption probe. Rebelo de Sousa stated that it was important to have a head of government with unquestionable legitimacy, and the delay in elections will allow Costa's Socialist Party time to find a new leader. The center-right Social Democratic Party aims to gain public support to potentially govern without forming a coalition with the far-right Chega party.
Portugal is facing a political crisis after Prime Minister António Costa unexpectedly resigned following his implication in a corruption probe. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa now has the task of appointing a new prime minister or dissolving parliament, potentially leading to an election. Costa's control over the country abruptly ended after police raided his residence and several ministries as part of an investigation into corruption related to lithium exploration schemes and a green hydrogen mega-project. The president has various options, including asking Costa to stay on as caretaker, naming a new prime minister, or dissolving parliament. The Socialist Party, despite being involved in the corruption investigation, still leads in the polls, but forming a coalition government with the far-right Chega group may be necessary for the main opposition party to gain power.
Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa has resigned following an investigation into alleged corruption involving concessions for lithium mines and hydrogen production. While Costa has not been named as a suspect, he believes the inquiry is incompatible with remaining in office. His chief of staff, Vítor Escária, has been detained, and Infrastructure Minister João Galamba has been indicted. Costa stated that the dignity of the prime minister's role is not compatible with any suspicion of criminal activity and pledged to cooperate with the investigation. The political crisis comes as Portugal's lithium reserves are seen as crucial for Europe's electric car demand.
Ukrainian law enforcement forces are conducting raids on over 200 military enlistment offices as part of a corruption probe coinciding with the country's counteroffensive against Russian forces. The raids aim to uncover large-scale corruption schemes where officials helped citizens obtain disability certificates or be recognized as temporarily unfit for service in exchange for illegal benefits. This move reflects Ukraine's efforts to clamp down on corruption and implement reforms requested by Western institutions like the European Union.
Denmark has begun training eight Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 fighter jets as part of its commitment to donate aircraft to Ukraine. The pilots arrived at the Danish military air base in Skrydstrup along with personnel who will be trained in maintaining and servicing the jets. Denmark will supply Ukraine with 19 F-16 jets, with the first six to be delivered around New Year. In other news, Ukrainian law enforcement officials conducted raids on over 200 military enlistment offices and military medical commissions as part of a corruption probe.
Patrick Drahi, the Israeli-French telecoms and media mogul, directly addressed investors and analysts during a quarterly results call for Altice International to address concerns over a corruption probe involving its Portuguese subsidiary. The probe led to the arrest of Armando Pereira, a long-time collaborator and co-founder of Altice. Drahi expressed shock and disappointment and stated that if the suspicions are true, he will feel betrayed. Altice has commissioned an independent investigation and suspended payments to the supply companies implicated in the investigation. Drahi is expected to make further appearances at investor meetings and quarterly results calls in the coming months.
Singapore's reputation as a clean and incorruptible government is being tarnished as a series of high-profile scandals rock the ruling People's Action Party (PAP). The sudden resignations of two lawmakers, including the Speaker of Parliament, over an affair, and the involvement of a cabinet minister and a business leader in a corruption probe have eroded public trust and confidence in the government. The PAP, known for its honesty and integrity, now faces a significant challenge in regaining its reputation and the trust of the people. The government must go beyond damage control and address the inadequacies and frailties within the system to avoid further erosion of trust.