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Bastian Obermayer

Bastian Obermayer is deputy head of the investigative unit of the Munich-based Süddeutsche Zeitung. He was the first person contacted by the Panama Papers whistleblower John Doe. Together with his colleague Frederik Obermaier he broke the story about the leak. Their book about the Panama Papers, an international bestseller, is published in the UK by Oneworld Publications and has been translated in 14 languages

March 2022

  • The Russian cellist Sergej Roldugin

    We were leaked the Panama Papers. Here’s how to bring down Putin’s cronies

    Frederik Obermaier and Bastian Obermayer
    The jurisdictions that help kleptocrats live in luxury on stolen assets must stop shielding corrupt elites

April 2018

  • According to Navi Pillay, the former UN high commissioner for human rights, ‘The money stolen through corruption every year is enough to feed the world’s hungry 80 times over.’

    Oligarchs hide billions in shell companies. Here's how we stop them

    Frederik Obermaier and Bastian Obermayer
    The Panama Papers have helped tax authorities recover over $500m around the world. Property registries could ensure that even more is recovered

January 2017

  • trump towers

    We broke the Panama Papers story. Here's how to investigate Donald Trump

    Frederik Obermaier and Bastian Obermayer
    We were successful because we collaborated with other journalists. Now it is time for the media to join forces once again – especially given the threat Trump poses

October 2016

  • Donald Trump

    Trump thinks not paying taxes is smart. But it's a threat to democracy

    Frederik Obermaier and Bastian Obermayer
    As the reporters who broke the Panama Papers story, we say it’s time to fight for fairness. The rules that govern how the 99% pay tax have to apply to everyone
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