ACCOUNTABILITY
Shadow Diplomats have posed a threat for decades. Governments looked the other way.
The U.S. State Department trusts foreign governments to nominate reputable honorary consuls, despite global accounts of wrongdoing.
Shadow Diplomats
The untold story of how hundreds of rogue honorary consuls, including alleged terror financiers and criminals, have undermined a little-known system of global diplomacy.
In this investigation
SHADOW DIPLOMATS
Accused terror financiers, arms traffickers and drug runners among hundreds of rogue diplomats, global investigation reveals
Honorary consuls are meant to foster ties between countries. But criminals and others accused of exploiting the position have infiltrated their ranks.
By Will Fitzgibbon | November 14, 2022
Data visualization
Shadow Diplomats: Meet 14 controversial honorary consuls
ICIJ and ProPublica 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.
By Antonio Cucho | November 14, 2022
DATA JOURNALISM
How a global data dive uncovered hundreds of honorary consuls linked to crimes or scandals
IMPACT
Governments call for reforms to centuries-old honorary consul system
Europe
Agents of influence: How Russia deploys an army of shadow diplomats
COLLABORATION
Highlights from Shadow Diplomats reporting around the world
Inside ICIJ
About the Shadow Diplomats investigation
Data journalism
How can I find out more about honorary consuls from my country?
VIDEO
Watch: Investigating the global threat of rogue diplomacy
Accountability
Frequently asked questions about the Shadow Diplomats investigation
Key findings
1
The investigation identified at least 500 current and former honorary consuls who have been accused of crimes or embroiled in controversy. Some consuls were accused or convicted of serious offenses, including drug and weapons trafficking, murder and fraud.
2
Nine honorary consuls identified by ProPublica and ICIJ have been linked to terrorist groups by law enforcement and governments. Most were tied to Hezbollah, a political party, social services provider and militant group in Lebanon.
3
Some consuls abused their positions to enrich themselves, evade law enforcement or advance political agendas. Consuls have stood accused of hiding cash and contraband in their offices and pouches.
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