Since the publication of the first stories from our Pandora Papers investigation on Oct. 3, the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists has been contacted by members of the public and press with questions about the data, the project, and more. Here, we answer some of the most frequently-asked questions. We may update this post from time to time.

What are the Pandora Papers?

The Pandora Papers is an investigation into the shadowy offshore financial system that reveals the workings of a secret economy that benefits the wealthy and well-connected at the expense of everyone else.             

The “papers” are the more than 11.9 million confidential records obtained by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists that form the backbone of the investigation.

Where did the Pandora Papers leak come from?

The records come from 14 offshore service providers — law firms, wealth management advisors and corporate formation agencies — that help those with money set up companies in low- or no-tax jurisdictions. You can find out more about the firms here.

Who was the source of the Pandora Papers?

ICIJ does not comment on its sources. ICIJ did not pay for the data and no conditions were attached to it being shared. ICIJ does perform rigorous verification and cross-checking of data to ensure its authenticity and verifies every fact published in our stories.

Why is it called “Pandora” Papers? . . .