Exposing a Former Czech PM’s Offshore Finances

Pavla Holcová was greeted with an avalanche of threats when she woke up one morning. Her country’s former prime minister had publicly accused her of being a paid agent to undermine his re-election campaign.

In this episode you’ll hear about the dangers OCCRP’s investigative journalists face when trying to get to the truth, the horrific abuse they face and how the OCCRP helps to protect them and their sources.

Host Nick Wallis talks with Pavla and fellow OCCRP editor Pete Jones about how an investigation exposing ex-Czech PM Andrej Babiš’ undeclared overseas property deals led to a very public attack by the politician and media mogul. Pavla recounts her encounters with Babiš — and what kept her going in the face of horrific abuse from his supporters.

We also hear from Prague-based journalist Will Nattrass on why Babiš is seen as a threat to press freedom, corruption in the Czech Republic, and where the country’s politics could head in the future.

Dirty Deeds is a Little Gem production for OCCRP. The host is Nick Wallis. The producer is Lindsay Riley at Rethink Audio, with research from Phoebe Adler-Ryan and Riham Moussa.

Read the investigation:

• Anti-Graft Czech Prime Minister Used Offshores to Disguise Funds for French Chateau

This week’s guests:

• Pavla Holcová - @pafak
• Pete Jones - @PSJones01
• Will Nattrass

Transcript:

• Read the transcript on the OCCRP website here

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[00:00] Introduction

[02:23] Pavla Holcová and Pete Jones explain how their investigation into Andrej Babiš began

[06:45] Pavla describes a public confrontation with Babiš

[08:03] Pavla describes how Babiš targeted her on social media and what consequences she suffered

[15:18] What kept Pavla going despite abuse from Babiš and his supporters

[18:03] Pete explains what makes OCCRP distinct as a news organization

[23:51] How OCCRP journalists prepare for and respond to threats

[26:08] The consequence of the article for Babiš

[27:11] Will Nattrass on Babiš, corruption and the direction of Czech politics

This podcast was originally produced in Spanish. Following recent events in Venezuela, we are sharing it with a wider audience through this human-reviewed AI translation. This is an experiment, so minor imperfections may be present. Original Spanish podcast below:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5inyH4WRo1H82KgvmnmUHh
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cuello-blanco-manos-sucias/id1872501127

We welcome your feedback on this experiment at occrp.org/podcast.

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