'Billion Dollar Whale' uncovers the extraordinary true story of the massive financial fraud behind 1MDB, one of the world's largest embezzlement scandals. Follow the rise of Jho Low, a young Malaysian financier, as he dazzles global elites with opulence while masterminding a scheme that siphons billions from a sovereign wealth fund. With thrilling twists and high-stakes intrigue, the book reveals the complicity of international banks, Hollywood moguls, and political figures in the scandal. Just how did Low manage to pull off this elaborate deception? Dive into this gripping narrative to uncover the secrets and audacious ambitions that changed the landscape of finance and politics.
By Tom Wright, Bradley Hope
Published: 2018
"In the world of high finance and deceit, trust is the most expensive currency, and its betrayal can bring empires crashing down."
Named a Best Book of 2018 by the Financial Times and Fortune, this "thrilling" (Bill Gates) New York Times bestseller exposes how a "modern Gatsby" swindled over $5 billion with the aid of Goldman Sachs in "the heist of the century" (Axios). Now a #1 international bestseller, BILLION DOLLAR WHALE is "an epic tale of white-collar crime on a global scale" (Publishers Weekly, starred review), revealing how a young social climber from Malaysia pulled off one of the biggest heists in history. In 2009, a chubby, mild-mannered graduate of the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business named Jho Low set in motion a fraud of unprecedented gall and magnitude--one that would come to symbolize the next great threat to the global financial system. Over a decade, Low, with the aid of Goldman Sachs and others, siphoned billions of dollars from an investment fund--right under the nose of global financial industry watchdogs. Low used the money to finance elections, purchase luxury real estate, throw champagne-drenched parties, and even to finance Hollywood films like The Wolf of Wall Street. By early 2019, with his yacht and private jet reportedly seized by authorities and facing criminal charges in Malaysia and in the United States, Low had become an international fugitive, even as the U.S. Department of Justice continued its investigation. BILLION DOLLAR WHALE has joined the ranks of Liar's Poker, Den of Thieves, and Bad Blood as a classic harrowing parable of hubris and greed in the financial world.
Tom Wright is a distinguished author and theologian, known for his profound insights into the New Testament and early Christianity. His notable works include 'Simply Jesus,' 'After You Believe,' and the 'For Everyone' Bible commentary series. Wright's writing style is accessible yet scholarly, blending deep theological understanding with a clear and engaging narrative. He is a prominent voice in contemporary Christian thought and has served as Bishop of Durham in the Church of England.
Bradley Hope is a distinguished journalist and author known for his investigative reporting and insightful narratives. He is the co-author of the acclaimed book "Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup," which chronicles the dramatic rise and fall of Theranos and its founder, Elizabeth Holmes. Hope's writing style is characterized by meticulous research and a compelling storytelling approach that brings to light complex subjects with clarity and depth. He has also written for prominent publications such as The Wall Street Journal, where he has covered topics ranging from finance to technology.
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“In the world of high finance and deceit, trust is the most expensive currency, and its betrayal can bring empires crashing down.”
Billion Dollar Whale
By Tom Wright, Bradley Hope
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