A startling new investigation has revealed that the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), an investigative journalism juggernaut with a hand in shaping global political narratives—including the first impeachment of President-elect Donald Trump—is majority-funded by the U.S. government. The report was published by Drop Site News in partnership with European investigative outlets.
The OCCRP, which has worked on high-profile exposés, received at least 52% of its funding from U.S. federal agencies such as USAID over the past decade. Since its inception in 2008, the organization has secured at least $47 million from American taxpayers, with an additional $12 million already committed.
The findings, drawn from budget documents, audit reports, and interviews with OCCRP leadership, paint a picture of a journalistic entity deeply tied to American financial support. The U.S. State Department, through various channels, has emerged as OCCRP’s largest single donor. While OCCRP has publicly acknowledged receiving some government funding, the full extent of its reliance on U.S. dollars had not been disclosed until now.
Drew Sullivan, co-founder and head of OCCRP, defended the funding arrangement, stating that the U.S. government has never exerted editorial control. However, Sullivan also confirmed that federal grant agreements allow the government to veto top personnel decisions, including editorial hires, a provision that critics argue could jeopardize OCCRP’s independence.
OCCRP’s reporting has been undeniably impactful. The organization has exposed corruption in countries like Russia and China, often targeting adversaries of the United States. Sullivan proudly noted that OCCRP’s investigations have influenced governmental changes in multiple nations. “We’ve probably been responsible for about five or six countries transitioning from one government to another,” Sullivan said.