Law firm’s IT worker detained in Panama Papers probe

The detention follows the most recent leak of confidential data, which could fuel new theories about the source of the Panama Papers.

Authorities in Geneva have detained a computer specialist for the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca in connection with the unprecedented leak of offshore companies’ data.
 
Prosecutors placed the computer specialist in temporary detention earlier this week following the recent release of "a very large volume of confidential data,” the Associated Press reported, citing a story published by Swiss newspaper Daily Le Temps.
 
While it did not specify when the data was released, the Swiss news report said Geneva prosecutors and policemen raided Mossack Fonseca's local office and seized computer equipment.
 
According to the Associated Press, the latest leak could fuel new theories about the elusive source of the Panama Papers.
 
The documents, which were revealed by German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung last April, contained data on over 200,000 offshore companies.
 
The papers detailed how businesses, celebrities and even world leaders use shell companies incorporated in low-tax countries like Panama, the Bahamas and the British Virgins Islands.
 
The Associated Press noted that offshore companies are often used for bribes, tax evasion, money laundering and to ensure privacy or protect wealth from authoritarian regimes.
 
The Panama Papers scandal led to the resignation of Iceland's embattled prime minister while other leaders in Argentina, Ukraine, China and even Russian President Vladimir Putin were scrutinised following the massive leak.