Editor’s Pick: 2022’s Best Investigative Stories in German

Some of the most notable stories in German-language journalism this year revealed that many good guys in public life were, as it turned out, not so good. The following stories examine public figures from sports, the media, and far-right networks, and also show how big players — such as sportswear behemoth Nike, the fintech company Wirecard, or multinational energy giant RWE — behave when they think nobody’s watching. 

Plagiarism definition, close up view dictionary

Uncovering a Plagiarism Scandal Among the Romanian Elite

Emilia Șercan has spent the last seven years writing dozens of investigations about alleged plagiarism and academic fraud in the doctorates of Romania’s elites. Her investigations have found evidence of copying from famous authors and other students’ in the work of the current Romanian prime minister as well as the ministers of defense, health, and education, a number of university rectors, police chiefs and army generals, prosecutors, and judges.

Environmental Crimes - caution tape

Investigating Environmental Crimes and Climate Change

Networks of business interests, government officials, and criminal groups run illegal operations that harm the environment in multiple ways. They drive worldwide illegal trafficking in wildlife and seafood, timber, minerals, hazardous waste, and toxic chemicals. Such environmental crimes are sometimes connected with other criminal activity, such as drug trafficking and money laundering.