The Other (And More Dangerous) Migrant Problem

Panama exposed in the sunlight

Home secretary Theresa May is being urged to introduce “full transparency” over rich foreigners who are fast-tracked for UK visas in return for investment.

Transparency International UK, the anti-corruption organisation, says in a report today that the Home Office should make public disclosures of who is investing, how much, as well as their financial interests and assets for those eligible for “Tier 1 (Investor) visas”.

The more they invest, the quicker they can secure residency rights in the UK.

Rachel Davies, head of UK advocacy and research at TI-UK, said that the huge leak to the German newspaper, Sueddeutsche Zeitung, of material from the Panama-based law firm, Mossack Fonseca, exposed the UK's "role in global corruptiion". she said: "The Panama papers have confirmed that the UK is a prime location for corrupt individuals who are looking to hide their illicit wealth."

Davies said that the system is open to abuse. "If corrupt individuals are allowed to continue to buy up luxury property and enjoy life in the UK, then the government risks its credibility in leading efforts to tackle corruption on the global stage." she said.  (more...)

Theresa May urged to up scrutiny of wealthy foreign investors

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The Panama Papers barely scratches the surface of UK complicity in a global scandal

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The ratlines remain in business. Their passengers frequently buy their way into the West's top universities and seminaries.