Impact
ICIJ has redefined what investigative journalism looks like in the 21st century. We have repeatedly conducted journalistic collaborations so big, so visionary and so aspirational that they are unlike any others in history.
Our Offshore Leaks, Panama Papers, Paradise Papers and FinCEN Files investigations were the biggest cross-border journalism projects ever. They have shaken the establishment and led to public protests, to multiple arrests, sweeping legal reform, and official inquiries in more than 70 countries, and to the resignations of the leaders of Pakistan, Iceland and Malta after allegations of corruption.
We helped bring about the Corporate Transparency Act in the United States, hailed as the biggest anti-corruption measure since the Patriot Act of 2001. Our work has also been credited for helping bring more than 130 countries together to sign a worldwide minimum tax rate as a measure to stop giant corporations avoiding their responsibilities.
May 11, 2023
In response to scandals and stolen art seizures, the Met plans to scour its own collections for looted artifacts
The museum’s plan includes hiring a four-person team — led by a new “manager of provenance” — to root out suspect works among the Met’s many treasures with a view to returning them.
Apr 11, 2023
U.S. Treasury faces a wave of criticism over faltering push to unmask anonymous companies and track dirty money
Transparency activists warn that delays to U.S. reforms designed to thwart illicit money flows have grave global implications.
Feb 19, 2023
Malaysia’s anti-graft agency probes former finance minister and his associates over Pandora Papers’ revelations
The anti-corruption commission and other government agencies are looking into the offshore assets of a former finance minister and his family, as well as others named in ICIJ’s 2021 investigation.
Jan 26, 2023
Citing corruption, US sanctions former Paraguayan president, bars ex Panama president from entering the country
Horacio Cartes and Ricardo Martinelli’s offshore dealings were featured in ICIJ’s Pandora Papers.
Jan 17, 2023
European Parliament votes to expand proposed rules targeting shell companies after Pandora Papers highlighted their role in tax evasion
Negotiations remain ongoing for final adoption of the “Unshell” directive, while tax justice activists say it may be too “weak” to effectively stop tax abuses.
Dec 21, 2022
How 2022 turned into one of ICIJ’s biggest years for investigations and impact
Over the last 12 months, the newsroom behind the world’s biggest journalism collaborations put out more deep-dive global exposés than ever before.
Dec 14, 2022
Former IMF boss Strauss-Kahn mired in French investigation sparked by the Pandora Papers
French authorities are looking into the former finance minister’s Moroccan tax residency status as part of a broader probe targeting 200 people named in the ICIJ investigation, Le Monde reported.
Dec 12, 2022
US Senate blocks major anti-money laundering bill, the Enablers Act
Lawmakers are hopeful that the legislation, introduced last year in the wake of the Pandora Papers, will be passed through alternative means.
Oct 31, 2022
Provinces pose threat to Canada’s bid to curb corporate secrecy, researchers warn
The country plans to establish a national corporate ownership registry, which would reveal the true owners of shell companies, by next year.
Oct 21, 2022
Switzerland aims to track corporate ownership in attempt to curb money-laundering
Facing international pressure to shed light on shadowy corporate ownership, government plans to reveal who actually owns legal entities.
Oct 03, 2022
One year on, Pandora Papers continues to be anti-corruption ‘tour de force’
From pivotal legislative pushes in the U.S. and elsewhere, to ongoing probes into deposed leaders and tax dodgers, the impact of the largest ever offshore investigation is still being felt around the world.
Oct 03, 2022
ICIJ celebrates 5 years of global impact
As you read through our 2021 report, you will see that success at ICIJ was achieved on many different levels.
Aug 24, 2022
Leaked files shed light on financial structures behind oligarchs’ seized yachts
Amid a wave of sanctions against President Vladimir Putin’s allies, complex networks of offshore companies are making for choppy waters for authorities looking to confiscate high value assets.
Aug 12, 2022
Former Czech PM Babis is under investigation for alleged money laundering over deal exposed by the Pandora Papers
French financial authorities are looking into Andrej Babis’ acquisition of a lavish property on the French riviera through offshore companies ー a $22 million deal first revealed by ICIJ and media partners.
Aug 10, 2022
As US returns looted relics to Cambodia, officials call on more collectors to come clean
A museum and private collectors relinquished dozens of religious artifacts linked to alleged antiquities smuggler Douglas Latchford, whose offshore trusts were uncovered in the Pandora Papers.
Jul 15, 2022
Major anti-money-laundering reform passes US House
The Enablers Act, included in the annual defense bill, was first proposed shortly after ICIJ’s Pandora Papers investigation exposed widespread exploitation of lax financial disclosure rules in the U.S.
Jun 23, 2022
House committee advances ‘once in a generation’ crackdown on enablers of financial crime
Proposed in the wake of the Pandora Papers, the Enablers Act requires trust companies, lawyers, art dealers and others to vet clients seeking to move money and assets into the American financial system.
Jun 02, 2022
Putin allies Mordashov and Roldugin targeted in latest round of US sanctions
Multiple U.S. government agencies announced new restrictions on dozens of entities and assets in response to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, including Putin’s close friends and allies, as well as yacht brokerages and defense industry companies.
May 12, 2022
New US sanctions target trust companies and corporate service providers for the first time
While the industries are now barred from working with anyone inside Russia, professional enablers of financial secrecy in states like Wyoming and Alaska have opposed proposals to increase transparency.
May 09, 2022
Pandora Papers shed light on ‘gatekeepers’ of dirty money says European watchdog
MONEYVAL rebuked governments across Europe for failing to combat money laundering or police lawyers, accountants and other professionals who facilitate financial crime.
Apr 27, 2022
Pandora Papers investigation receives National Headliner Award, other honors
In honoring the Pandora Papers with a number of awards, judges and commentators have described the global investigation as "stunning" and "one of the essential stories of our time."
Apr 21, 2022
Lawmakers in US push to uncover riches shielded by state secrecy laws
Amid the hunt for Russian assets, reformers say financial transparency in the U.S. is long overdue.
Apr 11, 2022
Watch: Oligarchs’ secret deals exposed in Pandora Papers Russia
A new chapter of ICIJ’s investigation on the largest-ever leak of offshore records show how figures close to Vladimir Putin dodge sanctions, maneuver vast wealth, and scoop up luxury assets with the help of Western enablers.
Apr 01, 2022
Are oligarchs hiding money in US real estate? Ownership information is a missing link, research says
As lawmakers propose unmasking those purchasing New York property through LLCs, recent analysis finds shortcomings in federal oversight of money laundering in the housing market.
Mar 23, 2022
New Zealand moves to crack down on corporate secrecy after Pandora Papers
A proposed law to establish a public beneficial ownership register would build on post-Panama Papers reforms to end use of the country as a tax haven.