ROBERT SOCHA
Investigative research and risk advisory with journalistic roots.
WHO AM I?
Journalist, lawyer, consultant
I combine the experience of an investigative journalist, open-source intelligence (OSINT) analyst, and lawyer. I deliver strategic analyses that minimize risk, protect reputation, and support key decision-making. I help companies, law firms, and public sector clients with counterparty screening, compliance, internal investigations, litigation support, and effective crisis communication.
I was supposed to become a prosecutor, but I became an investigative journalist. I graduated with a law degree and passed the prosecutor’s exam, but instead of prosecuting in a court of law, for years I “prosecuted” in the court of public opinion. This court is fast, efficient, and usually with no appeal – and I have come to know its rules very well. I kept a close watch on those in power, exposing corruption and abuses.
As one of the few Polish journalists, I was awarded a prestigious Nieman Foundation Fellowship at Harvard University in the USA (2016/2017). I also worked as the lead trainer for Google, training journalists in Central and Eastern Europe. I conducted workshops on techniques for detecting disinformation, verification, and fact-checking.
Currently, I run my own company. I specialize in investigative due diligence using OSINT, counterparty verification (KYC – Know Your Customer), and sanctions screening (customized or automated). I assist clients with M&A transactions, legal disputes (litigation support), and competitive analysis (market intelligence). I also conduct internal investigations.
I leverage my journalistic experience to provide training and advice on crisis communication as well as public and media appearances (media training).
I help my clients uncover the truth and succeed in the court of public opinion.
I am a board member of the Harvard Club of Poland.
I have authored two books:
“It Wasn’t About the Ransom. The Inside Story of the Kidnapping of Krzysztof Olewnik” (published by Nowy Świat) – an in-depth look at one of the most enigmatic criminal cases in modern Polish history.
“Pen and Paragraph. A Practical Guide for Journalists” (published by LexisNexis) – a practical media law guide for journalists and PR professionals.
TV REPORTS
Selected documentaries
I am the author of over a hundred TV documentaries and the recipient of numerous journalism awards. Below are some examples of my work.
2016/2017
Harvard experience
I spent a year at Harvard University in the US (2016/2017) as a fellow of the prestigious Nieman Foundation program. It was a year of inspiring experiences and valuable connections. I attended classes at Harvard Business School, Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and MIT Media Lab. In my cohort, there were journalists from local media outlets as well as major American and global news organizations.
I am also a graduate of the Leadership Academy for Poland (Center for Leadership). It is one of the top leadership development programs in Europe, with professors from institutions such as Harvard University among the lecturers.
I have a law degree from Jagiellonian University in Krakow. After my studies, I completed a prosecutor’s apprenticeship and passed the prosecutor’s exam.
