Meet the Author

Paul Holden is the Director of Investigations at Shadow World Investigations.

Paul gave extensive evidence to the Zondo Commission of inquiry, focusing on the ways in which the Guptas laundered their ill-gotten loot. Paul’s evidence is discussed in detail in Part 6, Volume 3 of the Zondo Commission’s report.

Originally from Johannesburg, Paul has over a decade of experience in investigating cases of grand corruption and corporate malfeasance, including as the senior researcher on both the book and film of Shadow World. Paul has published these findings widely, including in five books (including two best-sellers and two books on South Africa’s 1999 arms deal), the most recent of which, Indefensible, tackles the myths that sustain the global arms trade.

Paul has written widely in the media, including articles in the Guardian, Independent and Daily Maverick.

Along with Andrew and their colleague Hennie Van Vuuren, Paul was named an anti-corruption champion and whistle-blower of the year in 2015 in relation to the South African arms deal.

Paul is a Network Fellow at the Safra Centre for Ethics at Harvard University.