Who is behind ‘Dubai Unlocked’ exposé? The recent investigative project by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), titled ‘Dubai Unlocked,’ has sent shockwaves across the globe, exposing the extensive property holdings of the global elite in Dubai.
This in-depth investigation, conducted in collaboration with 74 media outlets in 58 countries, has uncovered a web of ownership linking political figures, globally sanctioned individuals, alleged money launderers, and criminals to properties in the Emirati city.
Who is behind ‘Dubai Unlocked’ exposé
The OCCRP:
Founded in 2007 by veteran investigative reporters Drew Sullivan and Paul Radu, OCCRP prides itself as one of the largest investigative journalism organizations globally.
With its headquarters spanning across Washington, DC, Amsterdam, and Sarajevo, OCCRP operates with a mission to spread and strengthen investigative journalism worldwide, exposing crime and corruption to hold power accountable.
Funding Channels:
OCCRP’s impactful investigations are made possible through a mix of public and private funding from esteemed institutions and individual supporters.
Among its notable backers are the Ford Foundation, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Open Society Foundation, USAID, the US Department of State, and the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
The ‘Dubai Unlocked’ Project:
At the heart of the ‘Dubai Unlocked’ project lies a trove of data obtained by the Centre for Advanced Defence Studies (C4ADS), a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC.
This data, shared with OCCRP and Norwegian financial outlet E24, provided a comprehensive overview of hundreds of thousands of properties in Dubai, shedding light on their ownership and usage between 2020 and 2022.
Notably, the analysis excludes properties held by companies and those located in commercial areas.
Global Collaborative Effort:
Partnering with media outlets worldwide, OCCRP spearheaded a six-month investigative endeavor to delve into the obtained data.
With representatives from 74 media outlets across 58 countries, the project uncovered scores of convicted criminals, fugitives, and political figures linked to real estate holdings in Dubai.
Notable partners included Pakistani news outlets The News and Dawn, underscoring the project’s international scope.
Key Findings and Implications:
The ‘Dubai Unlocked’ investigation has unearthed staggering revelations, with Pakistani individuals alone estimated to hold properties worth around $11 billion.
Such findings highlight the global reach and impact of financial crimes and corruption, necessitating cross-border collaboration to combat illicit activities.
Moreover, the project serves as a testament to the vital role investigative journalism plays in promoting transparency, accountability, and democracy on a global scale.
