The list of names in the Panama papers to be revealed today

The list of names in the Panama papers to be revealed today

Panama Papers affair set to widen as database goes online. The Panama Papers affair is set to widen, with a huge database of documents relating to more than 200,000 offshore accounts due to go online from today.

The Panama Papers have shown how some wealthy people use offshore firms to evade tax and avoid sanctions.

The papers belonged to Panama-based law firm  Mossack Fonseca and were leaked by a source simply known as "John Doe". The company denies any wrongdoing.

The documents have revealed the hidden assets of hundreds of politicians, officials, current and former national leaders, celebrities and sports stars.

Among those whose affairs have come under scrutiny include UK Prime Minister David Cameron, Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia, Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine and Mauricio Macri of Argentina, along with Argentinian football star Lionel Messi, Hong Kong film legend Jackie Chan and Spanish movie director Pedro Almodovar. The names of many Sri Lankans are also to be in this list.

Iceland's Prime Minister Sigmundur Gunnlaugsson resigned after the matter came to light.