Investigative journalism in uncovering the true owners of shell companies is like looking for UFOs, but tools exist to track those hiding assets. Shell companies are set up for strategic purposes like tax avoidance or hiding identities. Investigative journalists use specialized techniques to uncover information. ICIJ shared tips at NICAR24 on tracking shady empire leaders and their assets. Reporters must think creatively, use databases, and consider different search strategies. Contents like the Offshore Leaks database and OCCRP’s Aleph offer valuable information. Persistence is key in uncovering hidden assets and individuals behind shell companies. Rowan Philp, former chief reporter, provides insights into the investigative journalism world.
https://gijn.org/stories/tracking-shell-companies-secret-owners/