Shadow Diplomats
The Global Threat of Rogue Diplomacy
A first-of-its-kind global investigation by ProPublica and the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists identified at least 500 current and former so-called “honorary consuls” who have been accused of crimes or embroiled in controversy. These volunteer diplomats work from their home countries to promote the interests of the foreign governments that appoint them. Corrupt, violent and dangerous appointees, including those accused of aiding terrorist regimes, have turned a system meant to leverage the generosity of honorable citizens into a form of rogue diplomacy that threatens the rule of law around the world.
Featured
Shadow Diplomats Have Posed a Threat for Decades. The World’s Governments Looked the Other Way.
The U.S. State Department trusts foreign governments to nominate reputable honorary consuls, despite global accounts of wrongdoing.
Agents of Influence: How Russia Deploys an Army of Shadow Diplomats
Under Vladimir Putin, Russia has appointed dozens of honorary consuls. Many have spread pro-Kremlin sentiment around the world.
The Global Threat of Rogue Diplomacy
Honorary consuls were meant to foster ties between countries. Accused terrorist financiers, arms traffickers and drug runners are among those who have wielded diplomatic protection, a global investigation finds.
Other Entries
Ex-Honorary Consul Accused of Financing Hezbollah Indicted on Money Laundering, Terrorism Counts
Mohammad Ibrahim Bazzi was one of 500 “shadow diplomats” identified in a global investigation by ProPublica and ICIJ.
Jordan, Latvia and Israel Shake Up Diplomatic Corps After “Shadow Diplomats” Investigation
After receiving questions from journalists, governments announced the termination and reviews of honorary consuls tied to controversies or accused of wrongdoing.
These Documents Reveal Abuses and Breakdowns in Rogue System of Global Diplomacy
As countries call for change, nine documents from around the world show how journalists in an international reporting effort built the first comprehensive account of wrongdoing by volunteer diplomats known as honorary consuls.
Nazi Germany Used Honorary Consuls to Advance Agenda Globally, Records Show
A ProPublica-ICIJ investigation into shadow diplomats identified about 20 honorary consuls suspected of supporting the Third Reich through espionage and other activities.
The Global Threat of Rogue Diplomacy
How honorary consuls leverage perks, wield political power amid reports of wrongdoing.
Governments Call for Reforms to Centuries-Old Honorary Consul System
Authorities launch probes and propose overhauls following ProPublica and ICIJ’s global “Shadow Diplomats” investigation.
Key Findings From the “Shadow Diplomats” Investigation
A global investigation by 160 journalists identified hundreds of current and former honorary consuls who have been accused of crimes or embroiled in controversy — including those who exploited their status.
About the “Shadow Diplomats” Investigation
ProPublica, ICIJ and a team of journalists from 46 countries for the first time probed a little-known system of international diplomacy that has been exploited for years under the watch of the world’s governments.
The Global Threat of Rogue Diplomacy
Honorary consuls are meant to foster ties between countries. But criminals and others accused of exploiting the position have infiltrated their ranks.
Consul Cases: Details of Troubled Diplomats Around the World
ProPublica and ICIJ identified at least 500 current or former honorary consuls publicly accused of wrongdoing or embroiled in controversy. Here are snapshots of some of those cases.
