Jordan, Latvia and Israel shake up diplomatic corps after Shadow Diplomats investigation as other countries have done so before

What are honorary consuls actually doing these days?

"Three more countries have announced reviews of honorary consuls after an investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and ProPublica revealed widespread wrongdoing by members of the little-known system of volunteer diplomats.

Jordan, Latvia and Israel have either terminated the status of honorary consuls operating in their countries or ordered reviews of those currently serving.

Meanwhile, reporters at ICIJ media partner El Periódico obtained an exclusive police report with new details about a money laundering probe of honorary consuls in Spain.

Last year, ICIJ and ProPublica, in collaboration with 60 media partners, published Shadow Diplomats, an investigation revealing that honorary consuls have repeatedly exploited diplomatic status to threaten international security and the rule of law. The investigation found at least 500 current and former honorary consuls who have been accused of crimes or embroiled in controversy — the majority while they held their posts.

Under international treaty, honorary consuls receive legal protections and privileges that can include immunity from lawsuits and the ability to move consular bags across borders without inspection. ..."

Jordan, Latvia and Israel shake up diplomatic corps after Shadow Diplomats investigation - ICIJ After receiving questions from journalists, governments announced the termination and reviews of honorary consuls tied to controversies or accused of wrongdoing.