Mumbai: Bloomberg News has won the 2026 Pulitzer Prize for Illustrated Reporting and Commentary for “trAPPed,” a graphic novel-style investigative series documenting a widespread digital scam in India.
The award-winning project, reported by Suparna Sharma and Natalie Obiko Pearson and illustrated by Anand RK, tells the story of a neurologist subjected to “digital arrest” for eight days. The recognition marks Bloomberg News’ third Pulitzer Prize and its first for a team based in Asia.
The Pulitzer Prize Board cited “a riveting account of a neurologist in India held under ‘digital arrest’ by her phone, reporting that uses visuals and words to cast light on the growing global challenges of surveillance and digital scams.”
“We are honored that the Pulitzer Board recognized this example of deeply reported public service journalism, published in an inventive format,” said John Micklethwait, Editor-in-Chief, Bloomberg. “Both the intensive reporting into this ruinous scam and the use of the graphic-novel-style medium to bring the story to life are extraordinary achievements by the team.”
The “trAPPed” series combines extensive field reporting, interviews, and documentation with detailed visual storytelling. The narrative was designed for mobile-first consumption, allowing readers to experience the psychological impact of the scam through immersive visuals and sequential storytelling.
To complement the graphic feature, Bloomberg Businessweek published “India’s Digital Dream, Hacked,” further expanding on the investigation. The series also earned the 2026 Kim Wall Award from the Overseas Press Club.
In addition to the win, Bloomberg News had two other series named as finalists at this year’s Pulitzer Prizes. The “Cancer Capitalism” series was shortlisted in the Explanatory Reporting category, while reporting on the Trump family’s cryptocurrency ventures was recognised in National Reporting.
Widely regarded as the highest honour in American journalism and the arts, the Pulitzer Prizes highlight excellence across reporting, commentary, and creative storytelling.
This latest recognition reinforces Bloomberg News’ continued investment in innovative storytelling formats and in-depth investigative journalism across global markets.
