Paul Radu, a pioneer in the fight against corruption and organized crime, co-founded the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP). This unique initiative unites investigative journalists, legal experts, and tech enthusiasts worldwide. Their mission? To challenge those in power and disrupt criminal networks. Over 17 years, their efforts have redirected over $10 billion away from these illicit groups.
At the heart of OCCRP’s success is a commitment to innovation and collaboration. Radu’s conversation with Ashoka’s Irene Milleiro at the Tech for Humanity Summit in Bilbao shed light on how the project uses artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance investigative journalism. This approach not only strengthens their work but also empowers citizens to start their own investigations.
When Radu and his colleague Drew Sullivan launched OCCRP, they aimed to fill a gap in Eastern Europe’s media landscape, dominated by oligarchs and organized crime. They quickly realized the global nature of corruption, prompting them to create a network that transcends borders. This network has become a vital tool in uncovering and combating corruption worldwide.
Radu emphasizes the importance of technology in scaling their efforts. Despite seizing $10 billion from criminals, the battle against a $3.1 trillion annual economy of corruption is far from over. Here, AI plays a crucial role. OCCRP’s Aleph platform exemplifies this, enabling anyone to delve into extensive data sets to uncover wrongdoing.
The conversation also touched on the future of investigative journalism. Radu highlighted the upcoming Technology Alliance, aimed at boosting the industry’s computing power. This initiative will leverage AI to make data analysis more efficient, lowering the barrier for aspiring investigators.
Despite the challenges, including threats to their security, the OCCRP team remains dedicated to their cause. Their work is supported by a blend of journalism and technology expertise, crucial for their success.
Radu’s participation in The Paris Charter on AI and Journalism underscores the ethical considerations in using AI for journalism. The charter aims to integrate journalistic ethics into AI applications, addressing biases and promoting transparency.
The ongoing copyright debate, especially in light of lawsuits like the New York Times vs. OpenAI, presents a dilemma for OCCRP. While they aim to make information accessible, financial sustainability is a concern.
Radu also noted the global nature of investigative journalism, praising innovations from regions like South America, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Despite resource gaps, the quality of investigations remains high.
Reflecting on the Tech for Humanity Summit, Radu shared his enthusiasm for applying cross-industry innovations to journalism. He envisions a world where everyone has the tools to investigate, encouraging people to start with curiosity and the resources available to them, like Aleph.
Paul Radu’s vision and the work of OCCRP represent a significant leap forward in the fight against corruption. By harnessing technology and fostering global collaboration, they are not just chasing criminals but building a more transparent and just world.