The Panama Papers leak is catastrophe of 11.5 million confidential documents held by the Panamanian corporate service provider and world’s fourth biggest offshore law firm - Mossack Fonseca on 3rd April 2016. This database included furtive information for more than 214,000 offshore companies. It comprehended identities of shareholders and financiers investing in shell companies and offshore tax haven through Mossack Fonseca which handled their financial activities.
Participating in shell companies involved tax avoidance which later was accused to lead as frauds and tax evasion. This leak highlighted companies and individuals involved in this tax evasion and public scrutiny. Companies and individuals listed in Panama Papers had executed illegal practice of tax avoidance, tax evasion and frauds. This catastrophe was brought in light by Süddeutsche Zeitung through an anonymous source. A full list of database of the Panama Papers is expected to disclose in May 2016.
In 2015, this anonymous source provided Süddeutsche Zeitung 2.6 terabytes data. This data was shared with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) which was distributed for investigation and analysis to approximately 400 journalists at 107 media organizations in more than 80 countries. Panama Papers include government leaders, officials, close relatives & associates of various heads of government and renowned celebrities across Argentina, Iceland, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, China, Peru, France, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Syria, and the United Kingdom.
Adversative impact of this leak is witnessed by countries such as U.S., Great Britain, Hong Kong, Argentina, Iceland, etc. In addition, it has affected various stock markets. This research report examines the Panama Papers leak’s impact and consequences. It further elaborates the advantages and describes the disadvantages that are faced by the world.
Advantages:
- Surveillance on tax avoidance and tax evasion
- Scrutiny on government leaders, officials and other listed individuals
- Severe steps against the Panama Paper’s listed companies and individuals through their governing bodies
- Collaboration between news organizations for such revelation
- Impetus to more regulatory scrutiny
Disadvantages:
- Exploitation of secretive offshore tax regimes
- Rising tax avoidance and tax evasion cases at global level
- Fines and sanctions against foreign banks for violations
- Adverse impact on world economy
Panama Papers leak report analysis has been included in order to evaluate the significance of this desolation on various governing bodies across globe. In terms of geography, the Panama Papers leak research report 2016 has been bifurcated into regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World (ROW). The study provides a detailed view of regional to country level aspects of the catastrophe.
A detailed description of the Mossack Fonseca & Co. is been included that provides information in terms of headquarters, inception, mergers & acquisitions and other strategic activities. The report also provides Panama Papers leak’s impact and consequences across world.
