Global figures have been denying any misconduct regarding the “Pandora Papers” data leak of what news sources are calling “a secret trove of documents about offshore finance”, according to Reuters. These include the Czech prime minister, the king of Jordan and top Pakistani cabinet ministers.
The data leak is being investigated by India who will be looking into officials named in the document. The Kremlin has also come forward to state there is no proof of hidden wealth among Vladimir Putin’s inner circle after the Washington Post said documents indicated that Putin’s mistress was using offshore funds to buy a flat in Monaco.
The “Pandora Papers” is made up of nearly 12 million records, comprised of 2.94 terabytes of data and has come to light 5 years since the similar “Panama Papers”, brought to the attention ways in which the wealthy were avoiding detection from law enforcement agencies. It is believed that there are files linked to an estimated 35 current and former national leaders, over 330 politicians and officials across 90+ countries.
According to Reuters, it has been reported that Jordan’s King Abdullah was reported to be using offshore accounts to spend more than $100 million on luxury homes in the UK and US. The royal palace released a statement claiming it was “no secret that His Majesty owns a number of apartments and residences in the United States and the United Kingdom. This is not unusual nor improper.”
With the Czech Republic election taking place this week (8-9 October), documents have reportedly linked the current prime minister Andrej Babis to a $22 million estate near Cannes, who has denied any wrongdoing in a television debate. Babis quoted that “The money left a Czech bank, was taxed, it was my money, and returned to a Czech bank.”
Pakistan’s opposition called for Prime Minister Imran Khan to order cabinet ministers and aides named in the leak to resign and face investigation. Among the Pakistanis identified was finance minister Tarin, who said everyone would be investigated, including himself. He denied any misconduct, quoting that “If any wrongdoing is established, we will take appropriate action.”
Source: Reuters
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