A new investigation has shown that the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), a major entity in investigative journalism, is primarily funded by the U. S. government. This outlet has played a significant role in political matters, including the impeachment of President-elect Donald Trump. The report notes that OCCRP has received over 52% of its funding from U. S. federal agencies, amounting to at least $47 million since it started in 2008, with more funds already committed.
The findings come from various sources, including budget reports and discussions with OCCRP leaders, revealing a strong reliance on U. S. financial support. Drew Sullivan, co-founder of OCCRP, insisted that while the U. S. government funds the organization, it does not control editorial decisions. However, he acknowledged that the government can veto important personnel choices, raising concerns about OCCRP’s independence.
OCCRP has made a notable impact through its reporting, exposing corruption in countries such as Russia and China and fostering governmental transitions in several nations. The organization collaborates with major media outlets like The Washington Post, The New York Times, and The Guardian, which strengthens its reports but may lead to criticism due to its funding situation.
Former collaborators are reconsidering their partnerships; for example, Germany’s NDR has halted future collaborations after learning about the level of U. S. support. Although OCCRP often investigates corruption abroad, critics argue that it seldom examines issues within the United States.
With operations in over 60 countries and more than 200 journalists, OCCRP has been involved in significant investigations like the Panama Papers and reports on financial corruption. The organization aims to tackle complex stories that cross international borders.
OCCRP's inquiries into Rudy Giuliani’s actions in Ukraine were crucial during President Trump’s impeachment. This has led to questions about whether U. S. funding influenced OCCRP’s focus, especially due to the investigations’ political implications.
Some, like Georg Eckelsberger from the Austrian magazine Dossier, acknowledged being aware of OCCRP’s funding from the U. S. government but maintained that it had no influence on the objectivity and quality of the journalistic work produced.
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