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An ICIJ Investigation
Shadow Diplomats
The untold story of how hundreds of rogue honorary consuls, including alleged terror financiers and criminals, have undermined a little-known system of global diplomacy.
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SHADOW DIPLOMATS
Accused terror financiers, arms traffickers and drug runners among hundreds of rogue diplomats, global investigation reveals
By Will Fitzgibbon
November 14, 2022
Data visualization
Shadow Diplomats: Meet 14 controversial honorary consuls
By Antonio Cucho
November 14, 2022
- The investigation identified at least 500 current and former honorary consuls who have been accused of crimes or embroiled in controversy. Some consuls were accused or convicted of serious offenses, including drug and weapons trafficking, murder and fraud.
- Nine honorary consuls identified by ProPublica and ICIJ have been linked to terrorist groups by law enforcement and governments. Most were tied to Hezbollah, a political party, social services provider and militant group in Lebanon.
- Some consuls abused their positions to enrich themselves, evade law enforcement or advance political agendas. Consuls have stood accused of hiding cash and contraband in their offices and pouches.
Corruption
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Feb 07, 2023
How US lawyers and bankers aided powerful Haitian tycoons now sanctioned over corruption by Canada
IMPACT
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Jan 17, 2023
Jordan, Latvia and Israel shake up diplomatic corps after Shadow Diplomats investigation
BEHIND THE SCENES
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