"A small number of people, motivated by a commonly held desire for power and wealth, and backed by a pinstripe army of enablers, have driven the world to the brink of destruction. These are the super-villains of corruption and war, some with a power greater than nation states and with the capacity to derail the world order. Propping up their opulent lifestyles is crime, violence and deception on a monumental scale. There is a chink in their armour, however. A small but fearless group of brilliant undercover sleuths who are closing in on them, one step at a time. One terrible human at a time."
What began as three friends wanting to end the decades-long civil war in a far-away country is now an award-winning organisation, Global Witness, dedicated to rooting out worldwide corruption. Patrick Alley and his colleagues shine a light into dark places. They go where angels fear to tread and ask questions others are afraid to ask. They move within the dark underbelly of the super powerful, the wealthy yet wicked people prepared to exploit anything and everyone for their own benefit. They risk all, funds, reputations and life itself to bring the truth to the eyes of the public.
What we learn is that super-villains described by the likes of Fleming, Forsythe and Le Carré are not simply figments of their creative imaginations. These people exist. Whether it be the manipulation of share prices, the secret provision of combat jet fuel to the Russians or the industrial scale trafficking of wild animals, Alley opens our eyes to the appalling reality where organised crime masquerades as legitimate business.
A fascinating read, if a little uncomfortable. And an education as to what really goes on behind the scenes.
| Primary Genre | Biographies & Autobiographies |
| Other Genres: |
