The Rest Is Money

121. The Man Most Feared By Putin: Part 2

Dec 16, 2024

Bill Browder, a former investment fund manager and critic of Russian corruption, shares his extraordinary journey from success in post-Soviet Russia to being targeted by Putin. He recounts chilling encounters, including a near-arrest in Spain linked to his activism. Browder discusses the harrowing story of Sergei Magnitsky and the global push for the Magnitsky Act. The conversation also delves into the clash between communism and capitalism, highlighting the dangers of unregulated financial systems and the ongoing fight for human rights amid geopolitical tensions.

32:13

Episode guests

Bill Browder

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Bill Browder transformed from a successful capitalist in Russia to a target of Putin's regime after challenging systemic corruption.

His advocacy, sparked by the tragic death of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, led to the pivotal Magnitsky Act targeting human rights abusers globally.

Deep dives

Bill Browder's Journey in Russia

Bill Browder details his remarkable transformation from an American capitalist to a target of the Russian state. Initially, in the 1990s, he recognized a significant investment opportunity amid the chaos following the collapse of the Soviet Union. He established the Hermitage Fund, which became the largest foreign investment fund in Russia, amassing $4.5 billion in Western capital. However, as he began to challenge the pervasive corruption within these enterprises, he faced escalating hostility from Russian officials as they sought to protect their thefts.

Intro

2min

Navigating Chaos: An Investor's Tale in 90s Russia

14min

The Tragic Tale of Corruption and Pursuit of Justice

2min

A Tense Encounter: Facing Arrest in Spain

9min

The Battle of Ideologies: Communism vs. Regulated Capitalism

2min

Robert and Steph talk to Sir Bill Browder about making billions after the fall of the Soviet Union, only to end up with a target from Putin on his back. This is a story of murder and corruption leading him into his life’s work persuading governments to hit human rights abusers where it hurts. The threat of Putin’s revenge is ever present and Bill’s stories include the time he was bundled into a car by Spanish police fearing for his life.

Email: restismoney@gmail.com

X: @TheRestIsMoney

Instagram: @TheRestIsMoney

TikTok: @RestIsMoney

goalhangerpodcasts.com

Assistant Producer: India Dunkley, Hannah Rashbass

Producer: Ross Buchanan

Head of Content: Tom Whiter

Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices