Panama Papers charges filed in the US

Jay OwenReforming Global Finance

What a busy week! It doesn’t get any crazier than publication week here at ICIJ headquarters.

It’s never too late to catch up though, the best quick take is our visually stunning ‘What you need to know’. (Even if you’ve read the stories… check that out!) And, of course, all the content is just below for you. ?

| US PANAMA PAPERS CHARGES

The first criminal charges relating to ICIJ’s 2016 investigation, the Panama Papers, have been filed in the United States. Four men were charged with money laundering and fraud.

“These defendants went to extraordinary lengths to circumvent U.S. tax laws in order to maintain their wealth and the wealth of their clients,” said U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman. There is plenty of detail for those who want it in the department’s indictment.

| RECALL MADNESS

Recalled in the U.S. but still sold in India. Welcome to a broken global recall system.

It’s supposed to alert doctors and patients to problems with medical devices, but in reality, many notices fail to reach them. We homed in on the issue, which leaves many patients suffering for much longer than they need to, and looked at some of the solutions.

To help, we created the International Medical Device Database. But, some products – such as Essure’s contraceptive device – won’t be found there as the company never recalled the device but instead withdrew the product from the market for business reasons.

| WHAT IS A TAVR?

If we lost you at TAVR, give us a moment! This life-saving replacement heart valve  – which can be installed without cracking open someone’s chest – has helped many people stay alive for longer. Now, younger patients are getting the valve, even though potential risks are unclear

The device also highlights the strategic ways some companies market their wares with some supporting advocacy organizations and sponsoring conferences.

We’re back to our usual, weekly schedule now… so until next week!

Amy Wilson-Chapman
ICIJ’s Community Engagement Editor

 

‘Deeply concerned’ by Implant Files, Canada vows to strengthen oversight
Doctors demand to see medical device safety evidence in Europe

 

‘We won’t tolerate opacity’: Health officials pledge reform after Implant Files
US plans ‘significant modernization’ for medical device approval

 

Key Facts: Everything you need to know about the Implant Files
Patients fight for answers as broken implants cause unseen agony