NEW YORK (AP) - The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists says it will not be taking part in any official investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office into the documents known as the Panama Papers.
The consortium was responding to a letter sent by U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara (buh-RAH’-ruh) asking to discuss the papers, which show how the world’s richest use shell companies and other tactics to avoid tax obligations. They were leaked from the Mossack Fonseca & Co. law firm.
The consortium oversaw an effort from investigative reporters around the world to delve into the documents.
In a statement, the ICIJ said it told prosecutors Thursday that it would not turn over unpublished data, saying it is a media organization shielded by legal protections “from becoming an arm of law enforcement.”
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