True Spies: Espionage | Investigation | Crime | Murder | Detective | Politics True Spies Classic: The Money Spy | FSB
Dec 2, 2025
Roman Borisovich, a financier and anti-corruption activist, delves into the murky waters of money laundering in London. He shares his harrowing journey from Moscow to the UK, fueled by a desire to combat corruption alongside Alexei Navalny. The conversation uncovers how a web of lawyers and bankers facilitate illicit flows and why London is nicknamed 'Londongrad.' Roman discusses a daring undercover sting, revealing shocking compliance from agents on laundering stolen money, ultimately sparking public outrage and calls for reform.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Firsthand Discovery Of Systemic Corruption
- Roman Borisovich discovered corruption as a board member when he learned his company lost 30% of revenue to graft.
- That initial shock convinced him Russia's system was founded on corruption from street level to the Kremlin.
Joining Navalny’s Anti‑Corruption Campaign
- Roman became an advisor and founding member of Alexei Navalny's anti-corruption efforts after admiring Navalny's shareholder activism.
- He helped expose hidden offshore wealth and supported public actions that forced resignations and hearings.
Why London Attracts Kleptocratic Wealth
- London became a magnet for Russian dirty money because anonymous offshore ownership hid the true beneficial owners.
- Roman says billions flow into UK real estate daily with little knowledge of who actually owns properties.