The Swedish government has greenlit a fresh funding package of 70 million kronor (roughly €6.4 million or $7.2 million) for the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), reaffirming its push to promote democratic values and free speech worldwide.
But while officials tout the move as a boost for independent media, the decision has stirred controversy over the OCCRP’s alleged connections to U.S. interests and funding from George Soros-linked organizations.
“This initiative is part of our broader aid reform, focused on defending democracy and freedom of expression,” said Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Benjamin Dousa.
Yet not everyone is applauding. Investigative reporting by France’s Mediapart has highlighted the OCCRP’s substantial financial ties to the U.S. government—reportedly totaling at least $47 million over the years—raising eyebrows over its editorial independence. Sweden and other European governments have also chipped in around $14 million, with the EU itself contributing $1.1 million.
According to Mediapart, U.S. authorities have exercised influence over OCCRP operations, including a “veto” over staffing decisions and a heavy hand in shaping collaboration terms. Detractors say OCCRP’s findings have, in several cases, served as a launchpad for U.S.-led legal actions and sanctions—yet the group allegedly avoids scrutinizing the U.S. government directly.
Even OCCRP co-founder Drew Sullivan has acknowledged that the organization’s existence hinges on American financial support, undercutting claims of full editorial autonomy.
Adding fuel to the fire, OCCRP also receives funding from billionaire George Soros’ Open Society Foundations, which handed over an $8 million grant in 2023. Critics argue this aligns the group’s activities with broader political agendas, suggesting its journalism may be more strategic than impartial.
As the money flows and questions mount, the Swedish government faces growing pressure to explain how taxpayer-backed media aid aligns with transparency and neutrality—especially when those same media outlets are closely tied to foreign power centers.
