BERLIN, Germany (Transparency International) ”“ Transparency International, the global anti-corruption organization, is calling for politicians, banks and businesses that helped to launder the reputation of Azerbaijan across Europe to be investigated and, if appropriate, for the perpetrators to be sanctioned.
The anti-corruption organization will launch national and international advocacy campaigns targeted at strengthening anti-money laundering practices, identifying individual wrong-doing and calling for international organizations, including the Council of Europe, to investigate allegations of inappropriate behavior and take corrective action.
This follows an investigation carried out by journalists in six countries (Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, United Kingdom and United States) into a shady financial network that appears to have funneled money from a US$2.9 billion Azeri slush fund to pay decision-makers and prominent individuals across Europe.
“It is shocking to see that some politicians at respected bodies like the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe are up for sale and are willing to turn a blind eye to corruption and human rights abuses for cash. They must be sanctioned and we will put pressure on the authorities to take action. The story does not end here,”
