Shadow Diplomats Have Posed a Threat for Decades. The World’s Governments Looked the Other Way.
The U.S. State Department trusts foreign governments to nominate reputable honorary consuls, despite global accounts of wrongdoing.
Agents of Influence: How Russia Deploys an Army of Shadow Diplomats
Under Vladimir Putin, Russia has appointed dozens of honorary consuls. Many have spread pro-Kremlin sentiment around the world.
The Global Threat of Rogue Diplomacy
Honorary consuls were meant to foster ties between countries. Accused terrorist financiers, arms traffickers and drug runners are among those who have wielded diplomatic protection, a global investigation finds.
Consul Cases: Details of Troubled Diplomats Around the World
ProPublica and ICIJ identified at least 500 current or former honorary consuls publicly accused of wrongdoing or embroiled in controversy. Here are snapshots of some of those cases.