The Belarusian Investigation Center (BIC) reveals that the Lithuanian company Garsų pasaulis, selected to print 'New Belarus' passports, has been involved in multiple corruption scandals. Despite its experience in secure document production, its connections with Belarusian businessmen, including Viktor Chevtsov, raise concerns. The United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, represented by Valery Kavaleuski, is reconsidering its association with the company. The investigation highlights the need for transparency in the passport project, especially given the sensitive nature of the initiative. Lithuanian authorities, including the State Security Department, are assessing potential national security threats posed by these business links.

The article discusses the implementation and challenges of algorithmic management in Polish electronic courts. Marcin Gorski, a legal expert, highlights issues with the Polish electronic court system, including exploitation by scammers and the failure of algorithms to detect fraudulent patterns. Despite these challenges, there is optimism about AI's potential, as seen with Ultima Ratio's partnership with Microsoft to develop AI models for legal verdicts. However, concerns about over-reliance on AI and potential biases persist. The article also mentions ENOIK's AI-based arbitration court and the pressure it places on arbitrators to resolve cases quickly.

Anatoly Ternavskiy, a businessman with ties to the Belarusian regime, managed to avoid EU sanctions by using a network of offshore companies and intermediaries. Despite being blacklisted in 2012, Ternavskiy continued to operate through companies like Medesoil Trading and Univest-M, moving money and assets to evade restrictions. The investigation reveals his connections to various entities and individuals, including his daughter Natalia Ternavskaya and Swiss citizen Stephan Brunner, who facilitated these operations. The article highlights the complexities and loopholes in international sanctions enforcement.

Between 2014 and 2016, Assomedika and its directors sold imported goods as their own production to Belmedtekhnika, exploiting public procurement preferences. The company was involved in various frauds, including producing medical equipment without permits and failing to meet investment agreement obligations, resulting in customs duties. In 2020, Assomedika was fined by the Eurasian Economic Commission for competition rule violations. Despite its tarnished reputation, Belmedtekhnika and the Minsk City Clinical Oncology Center remained top customers. In 2023, Belarus supplied the Russian military with first aid kits allegedly produced by Assomedika, though the company denied this. Concerns about corruption in single-source procurement were raised by Vladimir Kovalkin of Open Tenders.

Garsų pasaulis, a Lithuanian company, is set to produce new passports for democratic Belarus, offering an alternative to the regime's documents. The proposal was made by Mikita Zabuga, a Belarusian citizen with ties to business plans near the Astravyets nuclear power plant. The article raises questions about the security of the data involved in this initiative.

The article investigates the lucrative business of holography in Belarus, revealing its ties to Viktor Chevtsov, known as Lukashenko's 'treasurer'. The Belarusian company Golograficheskaya Industria, linked to Chevtsov, dominates the market for security holograms, benefiting from government mandates. Despite questions about the cost-effectiveness of holograms, the Belarusian government supports their widespread use. The investigation highlights the intertwining of business and political interests, with Chevtsov's connections aiding the company's market position. The article underscores the role of investigative journalism in uncovering these connections.

The article by Alina Yanchur discusses the sharp increase in the number of Belarusian asylum seekers in the EU following the disputed reelection of Alexander Lukashenko. It highlights the story of Yana, a protester who fled to Poland with her son after realizing she could face prison for her actions during a demonstration. The article provides statistics on the rise in asylum applications and notes the support provided by countries like Poland, Germany, and France. It also mentions the work of the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights and the Viasna human rights center in Belarus. The piece reflects on the fear and uncertainty faced by Belarusians who have fled, as well as their hope to return home if the political situation changes.

Belarusians fleeing political repression under Alexander Lukashenko face significant challenges in obtaining asylum in Europe, with countries like Sweden rejecting most applications. Despite the European Parliament's call for simplified procedures and greater recognition of Belarusian exiles, many EU countries still consider Belarus a safe country, leading to standard asylum procedures. Human rights organizations and opposition leaders argue that Belarus is experiencing a humanitarian catastrophe, urging European countries to provide immediate residence and work permits to Belarusian refugees. The article highlights individual stories, such as Olga's, to illustrate the broader issue of denied asylum and the ongoing repression in Belarus.

The article investigates how Big Tech companies have come to dominate the EU's AI ethics group, despite initial resistance to the idea of AI ethics. It highlights the efforts of Oxford professor Luciano Floridi in bringing attention to AI ethics and the subsequent influence of industry on the European Commission's regulatory approach. The piece is part of a broader investigation into lobbying efforts surrounding the EU's AI regulation proposal.

Roger Derikx, a 46-year-old father, faced severe financial hardship after being asked to repay €68,000 in childcare benefits to the Dutch government without clear justification. Authorities repossessed his car and deducted 40 percent of his salary for years. The article highlights the injustices caused by the EU's AI laws, which can lead to significant personal and financial distress for individuals.