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Author

Svilen Oprikov photo

Svilen Oprikov

Svilen Oprikov is a graduate in Digital Media/Business Computing at the Canterbury Christ Church University, UK, with a focus on the development of the digital world. He has over 9 years of experience as a data analyst. He worked for one of the largest technology companies on a project responsible for fact-checking the Bulgarian Google Knowledge Graph. He has extensive experience related to verifying facts and information and finding credible sources for verified facts. In December 2025, Oprikov contributed to the Kyiv Independent's investigation into a global network of deceptive cancer fundraisers that use sick Ukrainian children.

Articles

A network of nonprofits has raised millions in the name of sick Ukrainian children, but less than 1% reach the children.

Investigation: Sick Ukrainian children exploited in fraudulent charity campaigns linked to US, Israel

by Linda Hourani, Svilen Oprikov
Editor's note: This story is a collaboration between the Kyiv Independent and Factcheck Bulgaria. Key findings: * A network of nonprofits runs large-scale fundraising campaigns claiming to support Ukrainian children with cancer, yet less than 1% of funds raised appear to reach the children. * These organizations are mostly based in the U.S. but maintain ties to Israel — reflected in Hebrew names and connections to a namesake organization in Israel. * Fundraisers frequently use false inform