5 big leaks of offshore financial data

The release of secret details on offshore accounts, co-ordinated by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, is thought to be the largest ever leak of offshore financial information. But it certainly isn't the first. Confidential lists of offshore account-holders have found their way into government hands a number of times in recent years.

One big difference: The leak was delivered to the media to make public, and not to a national tax agency, which would keep the information a closely guarded secret.

(Editor's note: Why CBC isn't publishing all the names)