What follows the Panama Papers?

From a personal perspective, I do not find anything surprising in the revelations of the socalled Panama Papers ( World figures deny wrongdoing as Panama Papers turn spotlight on tax evasion, April 5).

The involvement of political leaders and their family mem- bers in what could be direct violation of the laws of their countries suggests that personal ethics have no absolute value when it comes to complying with legal matters.

However the Panama Papers also show that even if individuals, groups or corporate organisations try to hide billions of dollars, nothing remains hidden.

A thorough investigation is needed into these revelations and, if proven, strong action must follow.

Ramachandran Nair, Oman

My question is what will happen next? Now that all this data has been released, will charges be laid?

What about the millions – if not billions – of dollars that may have been illegally deposited in these bank accounts? Will this money be returned to the rightful owners?

I’m certain that many countries would like to put that money back where it belongs and use it for the benefit of their citizens.

It’s not just Panama that is involved in this kind of activity. Will these revelations kick-start a global trend to identify other similar cases? In times of economic hardship, every penny helps.

Randall Mohammed, Dubai