Red Notice; Bill Browder; 2015; Simon and Schuster; 380 pgs, index

he subtitle of this book about says it all: A true Story of Finance, Murder and one Man's Fight for Justice. As you know, I do not read fiction these days. This a is true story about Russia and business and intrigue. It reads like John Grisham, except that it is actually plausible. Most of the upshot of the affair is part of the public record, largely in or form of the Magnitsky Act in the US and Europe. Magnitsky was an idealistic young tax lawyer in Russia. Good advice: keep your money out of Russia.

One tiny example: In Russia, if you physically steal the seal of a company, you can use that to transfer the company to someone else. And that is what they did. Raid the business; steal the seal; steal the business.

If you, like me, occasionally look south and shake your head at  the messed up country that is the USA, then take solace... it aint Russia.

The book eye-opening, and a fast and engrossing  read. If you get lost in the Russian names, there is a good index. If you want a glimpse into how a 3rd rate KGB operative became the richest man in the world, this book delivers. Hint: he stole it from the Russian people.  Bill Browder recently appeared on The National discussing Russian issues.

The Magnitsky Act has turned out to be an enormous thorn in the side of Russia, and is partly responsible for Russia's interference in the US election of 2016.




  

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