What is OCCRP that is likely to bring out an ‘expose’ on Indian corporates? 

Several months after a disruptive report from US-based short seller Hindenburg Research that sent shockwaves through markets concerning the Adani Group, there are now indications that the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) is gearing up for another investigative revelation involving specific Indian corporate entities, according to a report by PTI.

OCCRP, which calls itself an investigative reporting platform formed by 24 nonprofit investigative centres... spread across Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America, may publish a report or a series of articles, the media report said.

At the beginning of the year, Hindenburg Research alleged accounting fraud, stock price manipulation and improper use of tax havens by Adani Group, triggering a stock market rout that had erased close to $150 billion (Rs 12.42 lakh crore) in the market value of the company at its lowest point. Adani Group had denied all allegations. Ever since, there have been speculations about an external hand in the Adani-Hindenburg issue. 

What is OCCRP?

The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), founded in 2006 by Drew Sullivan and Paul Radu, is an international investigative journalism organisation that focuses on exposing and combating organised crime, corruption, and other illicit activities around the world. 

Funded by the likes of George Soros and Rockefeller Brothers Fund, OCCRP conducts in-depth investigations into complex issues such as money laundering, bribery, fraud, human trafficking, environmental crimes, and other forms of criminal behaviour that have a detrimental impact on societies and economies globally. Its primary goal is to uncover hidden connections, reveal corrupt practices, and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

"OCCRP wasn't really planned – it was born of necessity. We were all working on the same intractable problems in our own countries. But a couple of us realised this, and communicated. Then more. Then even more. We found each other," said Drew Sullivan.

Collaborative Investigative Journalism

OCCRP brings together a network of investigative journalists, researchers, and media outlets from various countries to collaborate on cross-border investigations. This collaborative approach allows for the sharing of information, resources, and expertise to uncover and report on complex global criminal networks.
Data Journalism and Technology

OCCRP employs data-driven investigative journalism techniques, utilising advanced technologies and data analysis to uncover patterns, connections, and anomalies within large datasets. This approach boosts the organisation's ability to expose corruption and organised crime.

Whistleblower Protection

The OCCRP takes measures to protect whistleblowers and sources who provide crucial information for their investigations. Ensuring the safety of those who come forward with sensitive information is a key aspect of their work.

Publication of Investigative Reports

The OCCRP publishes investigative reports in collaboration with its network partners and media outlets. These reports shed light on corrupt practices, criminal networks, and their impact on various sectors of society.

Drawing first blood

OCCRP’s first joint effort came in 2005, even before its formal commencement, when the group joined to follow a cluster of companies operating in the energy sector. Recruiting friends and colleagues from Bulgaria, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Romania, they pooled their resources on what became the Power Brokers Project, which won the first-ever Global Shining Light Award from the Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN). "The project investigated an energy crisis that caused massive power outages across Romania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, and Albania. The series exposed questionable deals by shadowy businessmen operating across the Balkans that returned huge profits to power traders but resulted in exorbitant electricity rates applied to impoverished citizens," GIJN said.

Engaging in a series of high-profile investigations, the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) has examined a range of critical issues. This includes delving into the offshore services sector, uncovering organised crime's influence within football clubs, casinos, and the security industry.

OCCRP has delved into the Magnitsky case, exposing the largest tax fraud in Russian history in 2013. This led to probing an assassination attempt on a Russian banker, resulting in the Moldovan government barring the pro-Russian Patria political party from the 2014 elections and prompting the party's leader to flee the country. In March 2022, OCCRP was labelled as an "undesirable organisation" in Russia.

In a collaboration with SVT Swedish Television and the TT News Agency, OCCRP revealed that telecommunications giants such as TeliaSonera (now Telia), Vimpelcom, and other companies had paid around $1 billion (Rs 8,276.74 crore) in bribes. This revelation led to law enforcement seizing or freezing more than $800 million (Rs 6,621.39 crore) in assets and Vimpelcom paying a fine of $775 million (Rs 6,414.5 crore).

The organisation played a pivotal role in the Panama Papers project, partnering with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and Süddeutsche Zeitung. This initiative garnered the 2017 Pulitzer Prize in Journalism for exposing corruption facilitated through offshore entities. The project shed light on instances like close associates of Russian President Vladimir Putin receiving significant funds through offshore firms, Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev owning a substantial portion of his nation's mining sector via offshore entities, and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko evading taxes and violating domestic laws through offshore companies.

In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in March 2022, OCCRP launched the Russian asset tracker, spotlighting assets linked to influential Russians and oligarchs connected to President Vladimir Putin.

OCCRP's reach extended to unveiling an investigation into LLCInvest in June 2022 and collaborating with The Guardian and other media outlets in February 2023 to uncover the sprawling disinformation campaign dubbed Team Jorge. Orchestrated by ex-Israeli special forces operative Tal Hanan, this campaign is alleged to have engaged in electoral meddling across over 30 countries for several years.

Drawing attention to issues of corruption, crime, and disinformation, OCCRP's investigations have contributed to increased transparency and accountability in various sectors and regions.

OCCRP’s theory of change 

OCCRP exposes and explains the relationship between money and power and serves as a catalyst that arms others with the information needed to drive positive change, according to its website. “As investigative journalists, we expose crime and corruption at the highest levels. Using these revelations, advocates can press for policy reform and package information for law enforcement, which has the authority to act on evidence and deliver justice. Policymakers can point to investigative findings to pass legislation and advance reforms. Citizens who read our work get the information they need to act and organize on their own behalf,” OCCRP adds.

(With inputs from PTI)