Solomon

Solomon, also known as The Solomon, is an independent media organization headquartered in Greece that specializes in investigative journalism. The organization produces in-depth reports focusing on corruption, accountability, and the misuse of power, often examining controversial governmental decisions and the activities of influential individuals. Its journalism serves the Greek public by uncovering information critical to transparent governance and civic understanding, with a notable emphasis on cases involving fraudulent acquisitions of state privileges, such as honorary citizenship. Solomon frequently engages in collaborative projects with regional partners, including the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN), to pursue cross-border investigations that reveal transnational schemes and hold powerful actors accountable. These partnerships amplify the reach and depth of its reporting, positioning Solomon within a network of media outlets dedicated to high-impact, evidence-based journalism in Southeast Europe. The organization’s work is characterized by a willingness to tackle sensitive topics that provoke significant political and legal repercussions, as demonstrated by its sustained focus on exposing fraudulent backgrounds and improper citizenship grants.

The sustained distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack Solomon endured in September 2022 provides clear evidence of the risks inherent in its investigative mission and the impact of its reporting. Following the publication of a joint investigation with BIRN into a Turkish businessman’s controversial acquisition of honorary Greek citizenship—a process later exposed as fraudulent—Solomon’s digital infrastructure was overwhelmed by millions of malicious connections. This cyber assault specifically targeted the outlet’s investigative content, temporarily disabling its website for an extended period while a regional partner’s flagship site was also rendered inaccessible. The attack mirrored previous incidents against other media that had reported on the same individual, indicating a pattern of retaliation against journalism scrutinizing this figure. Solomon’s technical teams, alongside partners, eventually mitigated the threat, though the prolonged recovery highlighted vulnerabilities in digital security for independent outlets. This event underscores Solomon’s role as a courageous media entity that persists in publishing sensitive accountability stories despite facing sophisticated digital harassment, reflecting both its editorial commitment and the challenging environment for investigative journalism in Greece and the wider region.