New Delhi: Indian illustrator Anand R K and journalist Suparna Sharma have been awarded the Pulitzer Prize 2026 in the ‘Illustrated Reporting and Commentary’ category for their work on cybercrime in South Asia.
They share the honour with Bloomberg’s Natalie Obiko Pearson for the collaborative project titled “trAPPed,” which combines investigative reporting with immersive illustrations to explain how cyber fraud networks operate.
The Pulitzer Prize Board announced the winners in New York on Monday, praising the project for its clarity, editorial depth and public service value.
Published by Bloomberg, “trAPPed” explores the case of an Indian neurologist who was psychologically manipulated by cybercriminals through what has been described as a “digital arrest.” The project highlights the growing threats of online fraud, surveillance and digital manipulation across South Asia.
Mumbai-based artist Anand R K created the visual elements of the project and is known for his graphic storytelling, having previously won the Eisner Award in 2021 for his graphic novel “Blue in Green.” Suparna Sharma led the reporting, drawing on her experience in investigative journalism covering corruption, workplace misconduct and social issues.
Natalie Obiko Pearson, a senior investigative reporter with Bloomberg, contributed to the project with her extensive global reporting experience.
The 2026 Pulitzer Prizes also recognised several other journalists and organisations. Photographer Saher Alghorra won in the Breaking News Photography category for work from Gaza, while the Associated Press received the International Reporting award. The Washington Post secured the Public Service award, and The New York Times won for Investigative Reporting.
Another Indian journalist, Aniruddha Ghosal, was also recognised in the International Reporting category for his investigation into the use of mass-surveillance technologies.
