> Seems like so far the articles have gone after fairly easy targets.
They're being careful. There are legitimate reasons for running these shell corps and (accidental) libel will throw all their accusations in to question.
> When asked about the lack of Americans in the original release, the German newspaper’s editor responded mysteriously: "Just wait for what is coming next."
> When asked about the lack of Americans in the original release, the German newspaper’s editor responded mysteriously: "Just wait for what is coming next."
We may see something eventually. But it has also been pointed out that U.S. laws give wealthy individuals fewer reasons to form companies in Panama. It is possible to form entities with secret owners under U.S. law, with a little effort. So the primary reason for Americans to go offshore may be tax-related, for which Panama would not normally be the jurisdiction of choice.
I don't think it was luck. I was just listening to All Things Considered and apparently there was considerable collaboration among journalists. The Planet Money podcasts were rebroadcasts from a few years ago. I bet they knew the story would be dropping soon, and they decided to give their listeners a primer.
Yes, this is discussed in the article I linked to as well. It may be that, although Americans generally have less need to set up shell corporations in Panama, Panama may be relatively more attractive for criminals, since not only can they be anonymous (no different from the U.S.), but also less easily reached through U.S. judicial processes.
This may mean that, though there are fewer Americans named in these files than one might expect, their dealings might be shadier, on average, than other nationalities'.
> I am patiently waiting with a bucket of popcorn.
Why would that be of worthy entertainment value? Shouldn't you be hoping the exact opposite, that very few or no Americans are involved (and insert any replacement country, as the same should go for all nations)?
That would be true in a country in which the public believed their governments to be functioning bodies directed at improving their country. I'd challenge you to find a lot of people who feel that way. When you believe the game is already rigged, every cheater hauled away is good news.
Actually, you can probably find people who feel that way in Singapore. (And probably in very brainwashed countries, too, but they'd be less justified.)
Everyone knows there are corrupt Americans. It's a fact. We're well past the fantasy land of universally ethical citizens. The debate isn't whether there are corrupt Americans, the question is who.
Mob bosses? Trust-fund baby tax evaders? Wall Street hedge funds? Big-Oil CEOs? Ex-military defense contractors? Politicians? I don't know, but some of them better get jailed to discourage others from gaming the system.
And it's entertaining when a big criminal gets caught and punished, especially when the public strongly suspected them but lacked the concrete evidence (like Al Capone).
They're being careful. There are legitimate reasons for running these shell corps and (accidental) libel will throw all their accusations in to question.
> When asked about the lack of Americans in the original release, the German newspaper’s editor responded mysteriously: "Just wait for what is coming next."
I am patiently waiting with a bucket of popcorn.