The Swedish government has announced an additional allocation of SEK70 million (€6.4 million or $7.2 million) to the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), a move framed as part of the country’s commitment to support democracy, freedom of expression, and independent media. However, the decision has raised questions over OCCRP’s alleged impartiality and links to U.S. authorities and George Soros-funded networks.
“Strengthening freedom of expression and democracy is an important part of the government’s aid reform agenda. Support for OCCRP is part of this work,” said Minister of Aid and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa.
French Mediapart previously reported that OCCRP, although operating under the banner of journalistic independence, has received significant backing from American government sources. Since its founding, it has reportedly taken in at least $47 million from the U.S. government, alongside $14 million from European nations including Sweden, and $1.1 million from the EU directly.
According to the French news outlet, Washington maintained veto power over “key personnel” within OCCRP and maintained a “substantial engagement clause” in their cooperation. Critics claim OCCRP investigations have been used by U.S. authorities to trigger legal proceedings and sanctions, while OCCRP itself is barred from investigating the U.S. government.
OCCRP co-founder Drew Sullivan has admitted that the ‘independent’ network of journalists wouldn’t have been possible without funding from U.S. government agencies.
Further scrutiny comes regarding OCCRP’s other funding sources, which include George Soros’ Open Society Foundations (OSF). OSF alone awarded the organization an $8 million grant in 2023 to expand its global influence through cross-border journalism.
Critics argue this financial backing aligns OCCRP with the strategic goals of influential donors rather than journalistic neutrality. “This is in line with the strategy adopted by George Soros and his Open Society Foundations to influence civil society and distort public perspectives in various nations,” one report claimed.
