Dirty Money [S4, E19]

Altamar - Navigating the High Seas of Global Politics

First the Panama Papers in 2016, then the Paradise Papers in 2017, and now the Pandora Papers. The massive leaks expose financial maneuverings and corruption at the world’s highest levels. The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists worked with more than 140 media organizations on its biggest-ever global investigation. Data reveals hidden wealth, tax avoidance, and money laundering by the world’s most rich and powerful. But not all of these practices are illegal. What constitutes the legality and ethics behind these hidden financial activities?

The Pandora Papers highlight the blurred lines between legal and illegal financial practices. Clearly, those most empowered to end financial “grey areas” are also those most heavily invested in prolonging secret accounts for their own benefit. The dozens of politicians exposed are already experiencing political pain from voters, giving way to more populist extremes. What does that mean for democracy itself?

Altamar hosts Peter Schechter and Muni Jensen are joined by Mark Pieth, founding president of the Basel Institute on Governance and a leading voice on anti-corruption practices. Altamar’s ‘Téa’s Take’ by Téa Ivanovic discusses technological advances to protect whistleblowers who expose these shady practices.