Follow the money.
Examine the evidence.
The Ledgers publishes reporting, case files and analysis on corruption, money laundering, public procurement and financial transparency. Our aim is to help readers assess a story alongside the evidence behind it.
Make sources visible
Supporting sources are listed at the end of each report. Official statements, court decisions, company responses and press reports are identified for what they are. An allegation reported by a source is not presented as an independently established fact.
Distinguish allegations, decisions and opinions
Investigations, indictments, procedural decisions and convictions are kept distinct. An accusation against an individual does not establish that person’s guilt. Blog and opinion articles are identified separately from news reports.
Be clear about dates and scope
Archive reports clearly state the date of the underlying event. The responsibilities of companies and their executives, cases in different jurisdictions and separate contracts are not conflated. Where subsequent developments have not been verified, the historical scope of the article is explained.
Include responses and correct errors
Responses from relevant individuals and organisations, where available in the cited sources, are included in the context of the report. When a material error is identified, the content should be corrected and the date and nature of the correction clearly stated.
Identify illustrations and uphold editorial responsibility
Conceptual images are not presented as photographs of actual events. AI-generated images are identified in the articles that use them. These principles apply throughout a report, from its headline to its source list.