The relationship between the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), the CIA, and USAID has come under intense scrutiny, raising concerns about the independence of investigative journalism and potential government influence on media operations. OCCRP, the world’s largest organized network of investigative media, hid the extent of its links with the US government.
OCCRP’s Financial Ties to US Government
OCCRP (profile on X), an investigative journalism platform known for its exposés on corruption, receives substantial funding from the US government. The OCCRP, which has won more than 100 journalism awards, is reputed for the quality and courage of its reporters.
According to reports, Washington provides around half of OCCRP‘s budget. The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has been a major donor since OCCRP‘s inception, with some officials describing the organization as a “partner” of the US government.
The close links between the US government and OCCRP are the subject of heated debate, particularly on X. Foundation For Freedom Online (FFO) activist Mike Benz labels OCCRP as a mercenary of the US government.
Government Influence and Editorial Control
While OCCRP maintains that it operates independently, several concerning factors have emerged:
- USAID has veto power over the appointment of “key personnel” in OCCRP.
- The US government must approve OCCRP‘s annual work plan.
- OCCRP is obligated to focus on specific countries designated by its US government funders, including Russia and Venezuela.
Weaponization of Journalism
In 2021, Samantha Power, head of USAID, described the OCCRP as a “partner” of the US government. Her agency funded a program that weaponizes OCCRP investigations by attempting to prompt judicial probes or sanction procedures based on the revelations of OCCRP reporting:
- USAID has funded a program to prompt judicial probes based on OCCRP reporting.
- The Global Anti-Corruption Consortium (GACC), co-financed by the US government, uses OCCRP reports to trigger investigations and sanctions.
Involvement in US Politics
OCCRP‘s role in domestic US politics has also raised eyebrows:
- An OCCRP report was cited multiple times in a whistleblower complaint that led to President Trump’s first impeachment.
- Some observers argue that this involvement resembles regime change operations typically conducted abroad.
Transparency Concerns
Despite receiving government funding, OCCRP has been granted a “partial branding waiver” by USAID, allowing it to acknowledge support more discreetly than typically required. This lack of transparency has fueled suspicions about the true nature of the relationship.
Defending Independence
OCCRP maintains that it has “impenetrable guardrails” to protect its journalism from government influence. The organization argues that its reporting, including stories critical of US-aligned figures, demonstrates its editorial independence. OCCRP recently responded to the accusations with extensive statements on X and described them as conspiracy theories. These were mainly driven by Michael Shellenberger, the activist behind the PUBLIC platform (website).
However, critics contend that the structural dependence on US government funding, combined with the ability to shape OCCRP‘s focus and personnel, raises serious questions about the organization’s true autonomy and its role in advancing US foreign policy objectives under the guise of independent journalism.
