A leak of 13.4 million documents exposed offshore tax arrangements of major corporations, royals, and government officials worldwide.
Key Facts
- Documents leaked
- Over 13.4 million confidential electronic documents
- People and companies named
- More than 120,000
- Journalists involved
- More than 380 journalists in a global network
- Source jurisdictions
- Business registries in 19 tax jurisdictions
- Public release date
- 5 November 2017
- Primary source firms
- Appleby, Estera, and Asiaciti Trust
By the Numbers
Cause → Event → Consequence
Confidential documents from the legal firm Appleby, corporate services providers Estera and Asiaciti Trust, and 19 tax jurisdiction registries were obtained by German reporters Frederik Obermaier and Bastian Obermayer of Süddeutsche Zeitung, who then shared them with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.
On 5 November 2017, details from over 13.4 million leaked documents were made public, revealing offshore investment arrangements involving more than 120,000 individuals and companies, including figures such as Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, and Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos.
The disclosures triggered scandal, legal action, and loss of position for some named individuals, while journalists and media outlets faced litigation for publishing the material. Further stories continued to be released beyond the initial publication date.