

228: Oliver Bullough | Why Thieves and Crooks Rule the World
Jul 23, 2019
Oliver Bullough, a journalist and author of "Moneyland," dives deep into the world of global corruption and kleptocracy. He reveals how corrupt leaders plunder national resources, affecting healthcare and education. Bullough highlights the far-reaching consequences of corruption, including crime and unrest, and exposes the difficulties in tracking dark money through shell corporations. He discusses potential strategies for reclaiming power from the elite and stresses the urgent need for transparency to protect vulnerable populations.
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Bullough's disillusionment
- Oliver Bullough, initially a Russia optimist, witnessed firsthand the rise of corruption and kleptocracy.
- This experience led him to investigate the Western enablers of these illicit financial flows.
Yanukovych's Excesses
- Viktor Yanukovych, former Ukrainian president, exemplified kleptocracy by amassing a vast collection of valuables.
- His palace included a six-story log cabin, a pirate ship, and a trove of art and historical artifacts.
Western Complicity
- Yanukovych's wealth was hidden using British shell companies, highlighting Western complicity in kleptocracy.
- This discovery prompted Bullough to investigate the global system enabling such corruption.