An investigation published by the Center for Investigative Journalism of Serbia (CINS) sheds light on how the massive EXPO 2027 project is being implemented, raising serious doubts about the transparency of contracts and the involvement of individuals with disputed ties to criminal networks and power structures.

According to this research, while authorities are talking about investments worth hundreds of millions of euros in the construction of infrastructure for the EXPO, companies and individuals have been engaged in the field who, according to the data collected, are linked to well-known figures in the world of organized crime, as well as people close to political and business circles.

The investigation highlights that the list of contractors, subcontractors and suppliers for the project includes entities related to associates or family members of individuals previously involved in known criminal structures in the region.

Links to persons convicted of serious criminal offenses, including members of known criminal groups and individuals involved in high-profile incidents, are also mentioned.

One of the cases mentioned in the report relates to companies that have participated in major infrastructure projects in Belgrade and that, according to CINS, were recently established but quickly gained access to high-value state contracts.

The report also mentions the involvement of entities linked to well-known figures from the world of sports and business, which are suspected of having benefited from public contracts.

CINS says that one of the main challenges of the investigation has been the lack of official transparency, as the full list of companies involved in the project has not been made public by state institutions.

For this reason, the organization has built a database of over 200 companies identified as part of the EXPO 2027 project delivery chain, using documents, open sources, and court records.

According to the report's findings, some of these companies have indirect links to people known for criminal records or to individuals close to the government, which raises concerns about the way public funds are distributed and control over strategic state projects.

The investigation concludes that EXPO 2027, presented as a development and economic project for the country, is being associated with a complex web of interests where business, politics and contested figures intertwine, raising important questions about the integrity of the public procurement process.

The relevant authorities have not yet provided a detailed response to the report's findings. /Telegraph/

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