The Bongo family, ruling Gabon for over five decades, has been implicated in using proceeds of corruption to purchase properties in the Washington D.C. area, totaling over $4.2 million. Despite investigations by U.S. and French authorities, gaps in anti-money laundering regulations have allowed for all-cash real estate transactions without scrutiny. Key figures include Omar Bongo, his son Ali Bongo, and Marie-Madeleine Mborantsuo, a judge with ties to the family who has played a crucial role in maintaining their power. The article highlights the contrast between the Bongo family's wealth and the poverty of a third of Gabon's population.

An investigation into President Paul Biya of Cameroon's extensive private travels abroad revealed that he has spent at least four-and-a-half years on such trips since coming to power in 1982, excluding official trips. The investigation, conducted by journalists collaborating with the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), utilized around 4,000 copies of the government-owned Cameroon Tribune to source information. The findings, which showed Biya spent up to a third of some years out of the country, prompted international media interest and defensive responses from the Cameroonian government. The investigation's methodology and results were criticized by government spokespeople and the Cameroon Tribune, but the journalists detailed their rigorous data collection and analysis process, including trips to archives and libraries in Cameroon, Paris, and Boston.

Since January 2019, the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) has been tracking flights to monitor the movements of dictators, oligarchs, and other individuals of interest. The project, which is concluding, utilized over 3,000 antennas and a central server to collect and share unencrypted flight data. Despite challenges such as gaps in coverage and the difficulty of extracting newsworthy stories from vast amounts of data, the project had successes in investigative journalism. It highlighted the importance of collaboration and on-the-ground reporting to complement data analysis.

The journalist has a history of uncovering significant corruption scandals in Canada and Australia, leading to police investigations. They have been recognized with a Peabody Award for their work on an open-source investigation into the murder of women and children by soldiers in Cameroon. Their expertise also extends to data investigations, including the use of aircraft ADSB data and analysis of newspaper covers. The journalist has unique field experience, having embedded with an armed group in Cameroon's civil war. They offer a newsletter for updates on their investigations and provide tips for aspiring freelance journalists.

The conflict between Cameroon's anglophone minority and the government has escalated, leading to the formation of separatist armed groups like the Ambazonia Defense Forces (ADF). The ADF, led by commanders such as Omega and Atem, employs both military tactics and spiritual beliefs, including magic known as 'Odeshi'. Despite their leaders being in exile, the ADF maintains communication through WhatsApp and strives to keep a clean image, adhering to a Code of Conduct. However, accusations by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch suggest the separatists have been involved in school boycotts, destruction, and kidnappings. The political wing's leader, Cho Ayaba, provides direction from Europe, emphasizing the importance of sticking to rules of engagement. With Cameroon's presidential elections approaching, the ADF has threatened to disrupt the process, raising concerns of increased violence.

The charcoal trade from Myanmar to China, despite being illegal, is a significant source of income for farmers and traders in Myanmar's riverside villages. This trade results in the loss of approximately 14,000 soccer fields of forests annually and involves bribes worth millions to corrupt officials, particularly in the military. Mongabay's investigation reveals the trade routes, the involvement of local communities, and the environmental impact. Charcoal is used in China to produce silicon metal for various products, and the demand from China has led to deforestation and climate change concerns in Myanmar. The Forest Department claims to enforce an export ban on wood charcoal, but enforcement is weak, and the trade continues to flourish, with significant economic implications for local communities and the environment.

An investigation by Mongabay revealed the illegal charcoal trade between Myanmar and China, which is contributing to deforestation and environmental degradation. Despite being illegal, the trade supports the livelihoods of many in Myanmar's riverside villages. Corrupt officials, particularly in the military, are estimated to collect bribes worth up to $10 million a year. The charcoal is used in China to produce silicon metal for various industries. The trade is facilitated by bribes at checkpoints and involves a complex network of traders, producers, and officials. The environmental impact is significant, with an estimated 14,000 soccer fields of forests burned annually to supply the smelters. The article highlights the concerns of those involved in the trade about the long-term ecological and climate consequences.