Read more
From the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists who uncovered the Panama Papers, a gripping, real-life thriller following the authors' attempt to uncover the truth about one of the world's most wanted men. Karl Lee, alias Li Fangwei, plays a key role in the secret struggle between the world powers, bypassing Western sanctions to supply dictators with the weapons they need to wipe out their neighbouring countries - or even to trigger a third world war.
For almost two decades, intelligence agencies have been hunting for Karl Lee. The FBI has put a $5 million bounty on his head, but nobody has been able to catch him. Now, four award-winning investigative journalists set out to find him.
Following the routes of his deliveries and his money, the authors track down Karl Lee's businesses in China and uncover his network of shell companies. During their investigation, they get embroiled deeper and deeper in the shady world of the Chinese phantom, and realise that Karl Lee is just a pawn in a much bigger game of modern warfare and international espionage.
About the author
Christoph Giesen is the China correspondent of the German magazine Der Spiegel.
Philipp Grüll is a weapons expert and editor at Germany’s leading public broadcaster ARD.
Frederik Obermaier and Bastian Obermayer won the Pulitzer Prize for their ground-breaking reporting on the Panama Papers.
Frederik Obermaier and Bastian Obermayer won the Pulitzer Prize for their ground-breaking reporting on the Panama Papers.
Translator Simon Pare studied French and German at the University of Cambridge. His previous translations include The Panama Papers by Frederik Obermaier and Bastian Obermayer. He lives in Switzerland.
Summary
From the Pulitzer Prize–winning journalists who uncovered the Panama Papers, a gripping, real-life thriller following the authors’ attempt to uncover the truth about one of the world’s most wanted men.
Karl Lee, alias Li Fangwei, plays a key role in the secret struggle between the world powers, bypassing Western sanctions to supply dictators with the weapons they need to wipe out their neighbouring countries — or even to trigger a third world war.
For almost two decades, intelligence agencies have been hunting for Karl Lee. The FBI has put a $5 million bounty on his head, but nobody has been able to catch him. Now, four award-winning investigative journalists set out to find him.
Following the routes of his deliveries and his money, the authors track down Karl Lee’s businesses in China and uncover his network of shell companies. During their investigation, they get embroiled deeper and deeper in the shady world of the Chinese phantom, and realise that Karl Lee is just a pawn in a much bigger game of modern warfare and international espionage.
