Profile in Focus | The Panama Papers Part 14 (2022)
Russia Is A Terrorist State: Part 3 (2011 - 2016)
Profile in Focus | The Panama Papers Part 14 (2022)
“The President of the Republic, Sebastián Piñera, received a welcome from the President of Panama, Ricardo Martinelli, and the honors of the Palace Guard” by Chile abroad via The Government of Chile under CC BY 3.0 CL.
In 2022, the Panama Papers continued to have a significant impact on the global stage. The year began with the Panama Papers being recognized with the UK's Investigation of the Decade award, acknowledging the magnitude and importance of the leak.
In January, more than 30 individuals linked to the Panama Papers were referred to Panamanian justice, signaling progress in holding those involved accountable for their actions. This included the founder of the law firm Mossack-Fonseca, which was at the center of the scandal.
The trial of these individuals began in Panama, attracting international attention. The proceedings aimed to shed light on the extent of the illicit financial activities revealed by the Panama Papers. However, as the trial progressed, key figures in the scandal were acquitted, raising questions about the effectiveness of the justice system in addressing complex financial crimes.
Beyond the Panama Papers, another major leak called the "Vast Leak" exposed how Credit Suisse had served strongmen and spies, further revealing the involvement of major financial institutions in facilitating illicit activities.
The art world was also implicated in the Panama Papers scandal, as it was revealed that Banksy artworks frequently changed hands through offshore deals. This highlighted the use of offshore structures to obscure ownership and potentially facilitate money laundering.
In March, Le Monde reported on a clearer picture emerging regarding the hidden Modigliani painting revealed in the Panama Papers. The leak had brought attention to the art world's involvement in illicit financial practices.
Investopedia emphasized that offshore banking itself was not illegal but hiding it was. The distinction was important as it underscored the need for transparency and compliance with tax regulations.
The Guardian published an article on how the Panama Papers could be used to bring down Putin's cronies, highlighting the potential for the leak to expose corruption and hold the powerful accountable.
In April, raids were conducted in several federal states on suspicion of tax evasion, demonstrating ongoing efforts to crack down on financial misconduct. However, a Tampa Bay Times opinion column questioned whether the world would ever find Vladimir Putin's fortune, pointing to the challenges of uncovering hidden wealth.
Despite the setbacks and challenges, the impact of the Panama Papers scandal continued to be felt. Investopedia provided an overview of the consequences of the leak, emphasizing the exposure of individuals and entities involved in offshore tax evasion and money laundering.
The year ended with the Panama Papers whistleblower, known as John Doe, speaking out in various media interviews. He highlighted the role of shell companies in facilitating illicit financial activities and called on politicians to take action.
In the midst of the ongoing fallout from the Panama Papers, other news stories emerged. The murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, who had been investigating corruption linked to the leak, resulted in the conviction of two brothers. This marked a small victory for justice, but also served as a reminder of the risks faced by those who exposed wrongdoing.
Protests erupted in Panama, calling for accountability and transparency in the wake of the scandal. The demonstrations highlighted the public's frustration and demand for change.
Throughout the year, media outlets continued to report on the various aspects of the Panama Papers, uncovering new details and exposing the complex web of offshore transactions. The leaks had a profound impact on global politics, financial systems, and the fight against corruption.
As the year came to a close, The Guardian reported on the trial of former Panamanian president Ricardo Martinelli for money laundering, signaling that the repercussions of the Panama Papers were still unfolding.
Overall, 2022 was a year of continued investigations, legal proceedings, and public discourse surrounding the Panama Papers. The leak continued to expose the intricate networks of offshore finance and called for greater transparency and accountability in the global financial system.
Written in part in collaboration with ChatGPT on June 14, 2023
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Putin Is A War Criminal
Russia Is A Terrorist State:
Part 1 (1990s)
Part 2 (2000s)
Part 3 (2011 - 2016)
Part 4 (2016 - 2019)
Part 5 (2020 - 2021)
Part 6: (2022+)
Sources for Profile in Focus | The Panama Papers Part 14 (2022):
Panama puts founder of law firm Mossack-Fonseca on trial - SPIEGEL Economy January 26, 2022
More than 30 linked to "Panama Papers" on trial in Panama - DW January 26, 2022
Panama’s Success Is Defying Political Science - Foreign Policy January 28, 2022
Banksy Art Frequently Changed Hands Via Offshore Deals - OBSERVER February 2, 2022
'Panama papers': a clearer picture on the hidden Modigliani - Le Monde March 23, 2022
Offshore Banking Isn’t Illegal, But Hiding It Is - Investopedia March 28, 2022
Raids in four federal states on suspicion of tax evasion - Spiegel Economy April 5, 2022
Why the world won’t find Vladimir Putin’s fortune | Opinion Column - Tampa Bay Times May 19, 2022
The Panama Papers Scandal: Who Was Exposed & Consequences - Investopedia June 12, 2022
Judge acquits key figures in Panama Papers scandal - AP News June 16, 2022
Court dismisses Panama Papers law firm founders in Lava Jato case - Reuters June 16, 2022
Why was this prominent journalist suddenly murdered? - Vox July 7, 2022
Why Fans Think Kim Kardashian Stole $600 Million From Britney Spears - Screen Rant July 11, 2022
Panama Papers whistleblower speaks out: ‘Politicians must act – now’ - The Guardian July 22, 2022
Panama Papers source John Doe: 'Shell companies are Putin's best friend' - Le Monde July 22, 2022
Royal Bank ordered to reveal who's behind 97 offshore accounts - CBC News July 27, 2022
Inside a House Candidate’s Panama Papers Connection - Daily Beast August 10, 2022
Why Is Panama Considered a Tax Haven? - Investopedia August 16, 2022
Pakistan court acquits former PM Sharif's daughter in graft case - Reuters September 29, 2022
Malta marks fifth anniversary of journalist's murder - DW October 17, 2022
The "Panama Papers" case in court six years after the revelations - RFI France November 15, 2022
The undermining of Europe's financial transparency - Le Monde November 24, 2022