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Freezing Order: A True Story of Money Laundering, Murder, and Surviving Vladimir Putin's Wrath

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2022

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Book Brief

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Bill Browder

Freezing Order

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2022
Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Global • 21st century

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Freezing Order by Bill Browder chronicles Browder's quest for justice after the murder of his colleague, Sergei Magnitsky, who exposed significant financial crimes in Russia. Browder's investigation traces the corruption to Vladmir Putin, leading to global efforts to pass Magnitsky laws aimed at curtailing access to illicit funds, battling considerable personal danger and legal challenges along the way.

Informative

Suspenseful

Dark

Challenging

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

4.5

32,979 ratings

88%

Loved it

9%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Freezing Order by Bill Browder is lauded for its gripping narrative and insider's perspective on global corruption. Browder's compelling storytelling and thorough research are praised. However, some critics find the prose repetitive and the complex financial details challenging. Overall, it is a thought-provoking read shedding light on international legal battles.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Freezing Order?

Readers who enjoy true stories of financial intrigue and legal battles, much like Bad Blood by John Carreyrou or Billion Dollar Whale by Tom Wright and Bradley Hope, will find Freezing Order compelling. Fans of high-stakes drama, corruption exposés, and real-world financial crimes are ideal for this gripping narrative.

4.5

32,979 ratings

88%

Loved it

9%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

Bill Browder

The author and narrator who recounts his quest for justice after the murder of his attorney Sergei Magnitsky, detailing his efforts to fight corruption and human rights violations in Russia.

A lawyer for Browder's company in Russia who uncovered massive tax fraud involving the Russian government and was subsequently arrested, leading to his untimely death in custody.

A member of Browder's team who traced the laundering of stolen money, providing critical research for the legal case against the fraudulent activities in Russia.

The authoritarian Russian leader implicated in the corruption and human rights abuses uncovered by Browder’s investigations, and described as opposing the passage of the Magnitsky laws.

An American attorney initially representing Browder who later switched to representing Russian interests, leading to a legal conflict over a perceived conflict of interest.

A Russian crime boss deeply entwined with government corruption, whose name repeatedly surfaced in the investigation into the stolen funds.

A lawyer working on behalf of the Russian government, known for aggressive legal tactics in the Prevezon case and a staunch opponent of Magnitsky laws.

A prominent Russian opposition leader who supported Browder’s cause and was assassinated under suspicious circumstances.

A New York judge involved in the Prevezon case, who initially made several legal decisions unfavorable to Browder due to a lack of understanding of the case’s complexity.

A U.S. Representative who opposed the Magnitsky Act and attempted to assist the Russian government's efforts to discredit Browder and Magnitsky.

An associate of Boris Nemtsov who survived a poisoning attempt, and campaigned for the Magnitsky laws, advocating against the Russian government’s corruption.

The husband of a Russian tax official involved in the fraudulent tax refund, who had his ill-gotten gains frozen as a result of Browder's efforts.

A U.S. media figure who was involved in public relations efforts against Browder and in facilitating negative publicity about him.

A corrupt governmental body in Russia led by Artem Kuznetsov, complicit in the fraudulent activities against the Hermitage Fund.

Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Global • 21st century

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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