In Greek mythology, Pandora was the first human woman ever created by Greek gods. Each god had given her a special gift. She also had a box containing misery and evil. One day, she opened the box, from which the evils flew out and took over the earth.
The pandora box opened by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) is no less evil and eerie than the one in Greek folk tale. Among the hundreds of influential people named from across the world, people’s favorite celebrities including famous cricketers, models and singers are also present.
The news organization of Panama, a country on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean has named former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, Colombian singer Shakira, supermodel Claudia Schiffer and an Italian gangster among the ‘black’ money holders.
According to a documentary released by ICIJ, Sachin Tendulkar has turned out to be the owner of several offshore companies. Tendulkar’s lawyer claims that the investment is legitimate, the details of which have been laid before the tax authorities.
In the papers, pop music sensation Shakira has been alleged of placing assets in offshore entities in the British Virgin Islands. Shakira’s lawyer also says that her offshore accounts were declared and they did not provide any tax advantages to the singer.
Shakira already has a history of tax troubles. Shakira had declared herself a resident of the Bahamas but was living in Barcelona from 2011 to 2014 to avoid paying taxes. In July a Spanish magistrate cleared the way for her to go to trial on criminal charges laid in 2019.
Similarly, German fashion star Claudia Schiffer’s financial dealings have been exposed in the Pandora Papers. Schiffer’s representatives have responded to the report by saying that the star pays her taxes in the U.K., where she is based.
The infamous Pandora papers leaks include the names of 700 Pakistanis and 300 Indian nationals.18 off-shore companies have been registered in the name of Anil Ambani, a well-known Indian businessman. Details of the secret wealth and financial transactions of 35 current and former world leaders, numerous politicians and billionaires have been uncovered in the wake of leaked documents.
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