Revelations of Hidden US Control
An investigation led by France’s Mediapart and partners including Drop Site News (US), Il Fatto Quotidiano (Italy), and Reporters United (Greece), has unveiled troubling details about the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP). The report reveals that the US government secretly controls the world’s largest investigative journalism network, raising significant questions about its independence.
US Funding Dominates OCCRP Budget
Since its founding in 2008, the OCCRP has received at least $47 million from US government sources, accounting for nearly half of its total funding. This financial dependency has positioned the US as the OCCRP’s largest donor, granting Washington significant leverage over the organization’s leadership and editorial direction.
Drew Sullivan, co-founder and publisher of the OCCRP, acknowledged the US government’s financial support, expressing gratitude while insisting on journalistic independence. However, critics argue that such substantial funding creates structural dependence that compromises editorial objectivity.
Washington’s Veto Over Leadership
The US government’s influence extends beyond funding, with agreements granting it veto power over key leadership appointments within the OCCRP. According to the report, the organization must submit senior personnel resumes to US government agencies, such as USAID, for approval. While OCCRP claims the veto power has never been exercised, its existence underscores Washington’s influence over the organization’s operations.
Soros and Other Private Funding Sources
In addition to US government funding, the OCCRP receives support from private donors, notably the Open Society Foundations (OSF) founded by George Soros. While OSF’s contributions are significant, the investigation suggests they have not generated the same level of concern as US government funding due to the latter’s direct strategic interests.
Origins Rooted in Secret US Grants
The OCCRP’s establishment in 2007 was funded through a secret $1.7 million grant from the US State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. This initial funding was funneled through the Journalism Development Group, an organization led by Sullivan, laying the foundation for the OCCRP’s operations.
Targeting US Geopolitical Adversaries
The investigation highlights how the US government has directed OCCRP reporting to align with its geopolitical priorities. For instance, the organization received $2.2 million to investigate Russian media under a program titled “Balancing the Russian Media Sphere.” It also received $2.3 million to examine alleged corruption in Cyprus and Malta, regions where Russian business interests are prominent.
OCCRP Reports as Tools for Sanctions
The OCCRP’s investigative findings have been directly linked to US sanctions and foreign policy. Through programs like the Global Anti-Corruption Consortium (GACC), co-funded by the US State Department, OCCRP reports have been used to justify sanctions and legislative actions targeting countries such as Russia and Venezuela.
Drew Sullivan confirmed the organization’s collaboration with governments, including the US, to use its findings for broader international policy goals. Critics argue this transforms the OCCRP into a propaganda tool designed to further US interests.
Impact on Media Integrity and Public Trust
The revelations cast doubt on the OCCRP’s claims of independence, suggesting it operates as an extension of US foreign policy. Critics warn that its reports risk being perceived as biased, undermining trust in investigative journalism as a whole.
Conclusion: A Troubling Alliance
The findings from Mediapart and its partners highlight the deep and hidden ties between the OCCRP and the US government. With such heavy reliance on US funding and influence, the OCCRP’s integrity as an independent investigative network is under scrutiny, raising broader questions about the role of journalism in geopolitical strategies.