ICIJ

Swedbank agreed to a $50 million fine with New York’s state financial regulator to settle a money laundering case linked to the Panama Papers. The investigation by the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) focused on Swedbank’s anti-money laundering controls and disclosures between 2007 and 2019, including allegations of withholding information about ties to Mossack Fonseca.

Studies suggest reducing doses of cancer drugs like Keytruda could save $30 billion annually and improve patient access. Merck changed Keytruda's dosage from weight-based to fixed, but research indicates lower doses may be equally effective, while Merck disputes these findings. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services supports de-escalating treatments if evidence confirms safety and efficacy.

ICIJ investigated how Merck & Co. and other pharmaceutical companies used a dense web of patents to extend market exclusivity for Keytruda, a cancer drug, delaying affordable alternatives and keeping prices high. The analysis revealed strategies like patenting minor drug modifications and combinations to reset exclusivity periods, while price variations and lawsuits in Latin America highlighted patient struggles.

Bitcoin ATMs face government crackdowns in Canada, Tennessee, Minnesota, and Indiana, with Bitcoin Depot filing for bankruptcy. Crypto firms like Kraken, Gemini, and Cumberland DRW have supplied billions in bitcoin to ATM operators despite authorities warning about their use in scams. Investigations reveal continued large-scale transfers to ATM companies after allegations of criminal activity.

Olena Oblamska, also known as Lola Ferrari, was extradited from Thailand to the U.S. to face conspiracy charges related to a $340 million cryptocurrency fraud scheme involving the platform Forsage. Prosecutors allege Forsage operated as a Ponzi and pyramid scheme, with Oblamska as one of its four founders. Vladimir Okhotnikov, another alleged founder, is linked to Forsage's operations and a film featuring Kevin Spacey, while facing charges in the U.S. and Georgia.

Tunisian authorities are seeking to dissolve the parent company of ICIJ partner Inkyfada, with a three-judge panel set to examine the request at Tunisia's Court of First Instance. The move is part of a yearslong campaign against the organization, according to Reporters Without Borders.

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