Spotlight: Exclusives

Investigation Charts Massive Haul For State Deals By Companies Linked To 'Putin's Chef'

Current Time shows how the politically connected catering empire of a Putin crony has used opaque ownership structures and the illusion of competitive bidding to tap into billions of dollars' worth of state contracts.

Exclusive: Daughter Of Putin's Spokesman Working In European Parliament

The daughter of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman works as an intern in the European Parliament in Brussels, and has unhindered access to various EU documents, RFE/RL has learned.

At Tajik Scrap-Metal Factories, Air Pollution, Work Hazards Are The Cost Of Business

Under The Radar: How A Secret Soviet Base Was Stripped Bare

It was supposed to be at the heart of a Soviet missile defense system. When it was closed, it became a gold mine for military personnel, their families, and anyone else who lived nearby.

Tracing Russia’s Vagner Mercenaries

Reports of Russian mercenaries taking part in the war with Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine have dogged the conflict since its 2014 start. But how to distinguish between rumor and reality? Current Time tracked down some of the alleged Vagner fighters to the Soviet-era industrial hub of Tolyatti in Russia and spoke with Ukraine's Security Service for further details.

Expert: Vagner-Style Mercenaries 'A Very Dangerous Trend' Worldwide

Tolyatti, Russia: Alleged Vagner Recruits Died In Ukraine, Syria

Ukraine's Security Service: Vagner Is 'A Specialized Unit Of Russian Intelligence'

Changing Chinese Market Prompts Closure of Tajikistan’s Scrap-Metal Mini-Plants

As China’s scrap-metal needs evolve, small, scrap-metal factories in neighboring Tajikistan that long have sparked complaints about environmental pollution are beginning to close. Only three such factories out of a former 25 still remain in the capital, Dushanbe.

Tracing Russia's Fighters In Eastern Ukraine

Chanel On The Cheap: Kyrgyzstan's Counterfeit Designer-Clothes Business

At the Madina bazaar in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz capital, shoppers can buy a label or tag for dozens of international luxury brands, and then order a copy of designer clothing on the spot. International brands have complained about Kyrgyzstan's role as a trans-shipper for counterfeit designer clothes, but less attention appears to have been paid to its role creating these clothes itself.