Journalism group releases searchable Panama Papers database that includes a number of law firm names
A screenshot of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists’ Offshore Leaks Database.
An international group of journalists was in the process Monday of releasing a searchable database of documents, including documents from a number of law firms.
Although some of the documents reportedly are from the massive “Panama Papers” data breach at Mossack Fonseca, others may be from an unrelated prior investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, the Am Law Daily (sub. req.) reports.
The law firms themselves may have done absolutely nothing wrong; however, the secret offshore wealth of prominent figures—including some world leaders—that was revealed in a previous leak of Mossack Fonseca documents has been controversial.
“There are legitimate uses for offshore companies and trusts,” the ICIJ says in a message to database users. “We do not intend to suggest or imply that any persons, companies or other entities included in the ICIJ Offshore Leaks Database have broken the law or otherwise acted improperly.”
The Obama administration recently announced a plan to more closely regulate those behind the shell companies often used for such wealth transfers.
The BBC News, the ICIJ itself and USA Today also have stories.
Related coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Prosecutors launch probes after massive leak of Panama law firm’s documents”
ABAJournal.com: “‘John Doe’ says he leaked law firm’s Panama Papers to show why income inequality is a big problem”
Toronto Sun: “Panama Papers could impact divorce settlements: Lawyer “
