Paper Trail Media

Paper Trail Media is an independent investigative journalism organisation based in Germany, founded in 2022 by a group of internationally recognised investigative reporters. Created as a journalist-led newsroom, it focuses on producing long-term, high-impact investigations that uncover abuses of power across borders and sectors. The outlet specialises in complex, document-driven reporting on corruption, financial crime, surveillance, corporate misconduct, and political accountability. Much of its work is carried out through international collaborations, contributing to major cross-border investigations and partnering with other independent newsrooms across Europe and beyond. Paper Trail Media operates with a strong commitment to editorial independence, deliberately avoiding ownership structures that could compromise its reporting. Its financial sustainability relies on a mix of reader support, investigative partnerships, and project-based funding, allowing journalists the time and autonomy needed to pursue evidence-heavy, public-interest stories.