Pandora Papers: The Biggest Offshore Data Leak in History

The Pandora Papers, published by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) in October 2021, exposed the secret offshore dealings of 35 current and former world leaders, more than 330 politicians and public officials, and a global lineup of billionaires and celebrities.

The leak comprised nearly 12 million documents from 14 offshore service providers, revealing the inner workings of a shadow economy that benefits the ultra-wealthy at the expense of everyone else.

Among the key findings:

• Hundreds of politicians had secretly stashed assets in shell companies and trusts while publicly advocating for austerity and fiscal responsibility
• Billionaires used complex corporate structures across multiple jurisdictions to avoid paying taxes in any single country
• Real estate markets in major cities were being inflated by anonymous offshore purchases

The Pandora Papers built on previous exposés like the Panama Papers and Paradise Papers, further demonstrating that the global financial system is structured to serve those who already have the most.