US secretly Controls 'Global Investigative Journalism Network' -- claims report :::: And they were heavily engaged in pushing anti-Electoral Bonds stories in India

 A big claim was made. It was holier than approach and in India, this outlet has been over enthusiastic about anti-Modi and anti-Indian Govt narratives. But now a report claims -- "US Secretly Controls Global Investigative Journalism Network".

"A joint investigation by Mediapart, Drop Site News, Il Fatto Quotidiano, and other media outlets has uncovered that the US government secretly controls nearly half of the funding for the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), the world’s largest international investigative journalism network. 

The probe also reveals that Washington has significant power over OCCRP’s leadership and editorial direction, raising concerns over the organization’s editorial independence," the report in 'Sri Lankan Guardian' claims.

Refer :: Link

Since its inception, the US has provided $47 million in financial support, with agencies like USAID contributing millions. This funding, while crucial for the OCCRP’s operations, comes with significant conditions.

The report reveals that the US not only holds veto power over key leadership appointments at OCCRP but also steers the organization’s investigations towards certain geopolitical interests, including Russia and Venezuela. 

For example, OCCRP received $2.2 million for a project aimed at investigating Russian media, and $2.3 million for a project targeting corruption in Cyprus and Malta—both areas with direct implications for US foreign policy. 

Interestingly in India the 'desi' chapter of the organisation was highly active in the run up to the 2024 parliamentary elections. 

It was claimed  -- 

"This collaboration produced dozens of investigative stories exposing the unholy alliance between the government, the Election Commission, and big business houses of India". 

This was the time when Electoral Bonds as an issue made headlines in India and t sort of gave some 'handles' of advantage to Modi's opponents. 

The Modi-bashing 'army of Sickulars' and also others got tool-kits, writing materials (almost ready made/baked well) to be published all across. 

The 'army' of self-virtuous but lazy Indian journalists and 'Sickular intellectuals' accepted them with happiness and publicised the version that something serious was wrong about Electoral Bonds.  

The hard reality was the Electoral Bonds was one sincere attempt by the Modi government to encourage public/corporate funding of the political parties in India and this could have guided a road map towards cleansing the 'dirt' in Indian election system -- that is the bad influence of the black money !!

Blogger !!

It is worth mentioning that Drew Sullivan, the OCCRP’s co-founder and publisher, confirmed the US government as its largest donor and acknowledged the importance of American funding for the organization. 

In a 2023 interview with German state broadcaster NDR, Sullivan admitted that the US’s financial support is vital to OCCRP’s work, but emphasized that it comes with strings attached. The US government not only funds specific investigations but also has the right to veto key personnel decisions, including Sullivan’s own position. 

Critics suggest that the OCCRP’s reliance on US funding undermines its credibility. 

“It makes the US seem virtuous and allows them to set the agenda of what is defined as corruption,” said a director from a South American media outlet that worked with the OCCRP. 

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