Pandora Papers news: UK needs transparency over ‘who really owns property’, group says after huge leaks

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Pandora Papers involved a leak of more than 11.9 million records (AFP via Getty Images)

Transparency over “who really owns property” would help to solve the “UK’s dirty money problem”, an anti-corruption group has said following a bombshell leak of financial documents.

Legislation that would unmask property owners using offshore companies should be tabled before Christmas, Transparency International UK said.

The call came amid the “Pandora Papers” investigation, which has shed light on how world leaders, billionaires and others have used offshore accounts to keep money out of government treasuries over the past quarter-century.

Among those named in the files were associates of Russian president Vladimir Putin, King Abdullah of Jordan, and Czech prime minister Andrej Babis. All three denied wrongdoing.

Key Points

• US reviewing findings from Pandora Papers
• Current and former world leaders deny wrongdoing
• Anti-corruption group calls for greater transparency over property ownership

[5 October 2021 12:20 · Zoe Tidman]

Celebrities named in Pandora Papers

Here is a recap of the celebrities named in the leaked Pandora Papers, including Shakira, Elton John and Ringo Starr.

Roisin O’Connor, our music correspondent, has the full story:

[5 October 2021 12:50 · Zoe Tidman]

Pakistan inquiry

A Pakistani politican has welcomed a Pandora Papers inquiry and said he should be the first to be investigated.

“They should START WITH ME,” Faisal Vawda tweeted.

[5 October 2021 13:12 · Zoe Tidman]

EU tax haven blacklist

The European Union removed Anguilla, Dominica and Seychelles from its tax haven blacklist Tuesday amid criticism that the trade bloc is letting countries off the hook, particularly in light of the recent Pandora Papers revelations. Anguilla, Dominica and Seychelles were placed on the list because they did not meet tax transparency criteria.

EU finance ministers, meeting in Luxembourg, endorsed a decision to move them to a “grey list” after the three agreed to a review of their tax systems.

AP

[5 October 2021 13:46 · Zoe Tidman]

That is all from us for today. Thanks for following.