‘Harry Potter’ star Emma Watson named in the Panama Papers leak scandal

“Harry Potter” star Emma Watson has been named in the Panama Papers leak scandal. The database, released by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, reveals that the 26-year-old social activist is connected to an offshore company set up by the controversial law firm Mossack Fonseca.

The Spectator first reported that a search for Watson’s full name – Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson – will reveal her as a beneficiary of the company Falling Leaves Ltd, which is under the jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands.

Being named in the documents doesn’t automatically mean they are involved in illegal activities. However, it is generally frowned upon as there are those who invest in offshore accounts for illegal purposes.

Watson’s rep was quick to clarify the actress’ involvement in the papers, saying her company, Falling Leaves, was set up for the sole purpose of “protecting her anonymity and safety.”

“Emma (like many high profile individuals) set up an offshore company for the sole purpose of protecting her anonymity and safety,” the rep told the Spectator. “UK companies are required to publicly publish details of their shareholders and therefore do not give her the necessary anonymity required to protect her personal safety, which has been jeopardised in the past owing to such information being publicly available.”

Watson’s rep continued, “Offshore companies do not publish these shareholder details. Emma receives absolutely no tax or monetary advantages from this offshore company whatsoever – only privacy.”

The Panama Papers scandal first hit headlines in April after the ICIJ published a database of names and companies that have offshore investment. On Monday, the organisation released more details on the offshore companies named in the confidential documents.

Not all individuals and entities that invest in offshore companies use their investment for illegal purposes, however. There are legitimate uses for offshore accounts. However, there are also those who have offshore investments to hide illegal transactions.

Read: #PanamaPapers scandal: Vladimir Putin, Jackie Chan, Lionel Messi and more world leaders, politicians and celebrities

A few days after the first batch of data was released last month, Iceland PM Sigmunder Gunnlaugsson has resigned from his post. He and his wife, Anna Sigurlaug Palsdottir, were revealed to have owned an offshore company that was a creditor to failed Icelandic banks.

Read: #PanamaPapers first casualty: Iceland PM Sigmundur Gunnlaugsson resigns

British Prime Minister David Cameron’s late father, Ian Cameron, was also implicated in the Panama Papers scandal, which revealed the senior Cameron apparently avoided paying tax in the UK for decades by basing his investment fund in the Bahamas.