Video: The Global Threat of Rogue Diplomacy

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Shadow Diplomats – ICIJ Investigation

Shadow Diplomats is a collaboration between the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, Propublica and 59 media partners from 46 countries. This guide aims to answer some of the primary questions about the collaboration and about the system of honorary consuls that’s at the heart of the investigation.

What is the Shadow Diplomats investigation?

Journalists from 46 countries are shining light  on one of the least-examined roles in international diplomacy: the honorary consul.

The reporting found that numerous corrupt, violent and dangerous appointees, including those accused of aiding terrorist regimes, have turned a system meant to leverage the generosity of honorable citizens into a perilous form of rogue diplomacy.

Click here to visit our video section with evidence recordings, official case summaries and frequent updates from our investigative reporters out in the file.

More Fake News: German Honorary Consul Thomas Wagner

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Who met with German consul Thomas Wagner in August 2024? In August 2024, German honorary consul Thomas Wagner announced on LinkedIn that he had met with Mariela Ponce Villa, President of the Poder Judicial del Estado de Querétaro. He claimed the discussion centered on strengthening the judiciary through openness and public trust. Yet, the office … Read more

Understanding Social Engineering: The Case of Götz Knobloch 

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Social engineering refers to the manipulation of individuals into revealing confidential or personal information for fraudulent purposes. This psychological tactic helps cybercriminals circumvent technical safeguards by exploiting human trust. Profile Building for Fraudulent Activities Hackers create detailed profiles to support their social engineering schemes. Here’s how a fictitious persona like Götz Knobloch who claims to … Read more

Compliance issue German Embassy: Mendez Ramirez Adriana Guadalupe

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Incident Report #16793 Date of Report: February 27, 2026Reported by: NAVEX – www.navex.comEmail Contact: [email protected] behalf of: Deere & CompanyReported to: Officer Compliance & Ethics, German Embassy Mexico City John Deere is a manufacturer of agricultural machinery based in East Moline, Illinois, United States, registered as Deere & Company. NAVEX provides compliance solutions to John … Read more

Finally: Berlin Higher Court Rules Against Diplomat Immunity

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A diplomat’s immunity from civil jurisdiction does not depend on the severity of their—alleged or actual—legal violations. 2. Section 18 of the Courts Constitution Act (GVG) does not violate Article 14 of the Basic Law (GG) or the principle of the rule of law (Article 20(3) GG).Ruling I. The plaintiff’s appeal against the judgment of … Read more

Consul Law Mexico

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Chapter I – Accreditation 1. Opening of Foreign Mission 1.1 Embassy The request to open a resident Diplomatic Mission in Mexico must be transmitted through a diplomatic note from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the accrediting country, directed to the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs – General Directorate of Protocol (DGP) – via established communication … Read more