The Panama Papers: Breaking the Story of How the Rich and Powerful Hide Their Money

Bastian Obermayer , Frederik Obermaier

Physical

In Circulation

Late one evening, investigative journalist Bastian Obermayer receives an anonymous message offering him access to secret data. Through encrypted channels, he then receives documents revealing how the president of Argentina has sequestered millions of dollars of state money for private use. This is just the beginning.

Obermayer and fellow Süddeutsche journalist Frederik Obermaier find themselves immersed in the secret world where complex networks of letterbox companies help the super-rich to hide their money. Faced with the contents of the largest data leak in history, they activate an international network of journalists to follow every possible line of inquiry.

Operating in the strictest secrecy for over a year, they uncover cases involving European prime ministers and international dictators, emirs and kings, celebrities and aristocrats. The real-life thriller behind the story of the century, The Panama Papers is an intense, unputdownable account that proves, once and for all, that there exists a small elite living by a different set of rules and blows their secret world wide open.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Massive Leak: The book revolves around the Panama Papers, a massive leak of documents from the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca, revealing the offshore accounts and financial dealings of numerous politicians, celebrities, and wealthy individuals worldwide.

  2. Complex Offshore Networks: It exposes the intricate networks of offshore accounts, shell companies, and trusts used by the rich and powerful to hide their wealth, evade taxes, and obscure ownership of assets.

  3. Global Implications: The revelations had global ramifications, leading to investigations, resignations, and public outrage in various countries as it exposed the involvement of political figures, business leaders, and celebrities.

  4. Whistleblower's Role: The book might highlight the role of the anonymous whistleblower who leaked the documents to journalists, shedding light on the importance of whistleblowing in exposing corruption and hidden financial activities.

  5. Legal and Ethical Issues: It likely delves into the legal and ethical implications of offshore finance, tax evasion, and money laundering, raising questions about loopholes in the global financial system.

  6. Journalistic Investigation: It showcases the meticulous investigative journalism undertaken by the authors and their team to analyze, verify, and report on the vast amount of leaked data.

  7. Public Awareness: The Panama Papers raised public awareness about the scale of offshore financial activities and the need for greater transparency and regulation in global finance.

  8. Political Fallout: The revelations led to political consequences in various countries, with some leaders facing scrutiny, calls for accountability, and reforms in financial regulations.

  9. Corporate Accountability: The book might discuss the role of corporations and banks in facilitating offshore financial activities and the subsequent scrutiny they faced.

  10. Calls for Reform: It likely highlights the widespread calls for reforms in global financial systems, including transparency measures, closing loopholes, and stricter regulations to prevent tax evasion and illicit financial activities.

Language English
ISBN-10 1786070472
ISBN-13 9781786070470
No of pages 366
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher ONEWorld Publications
Published Date 11 Jul 2016

About Author

Author : Bastian Obermayer

NA

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