Summary

Bill Browder's "Red Notice" recounts his extraordinary journey from being the largest foreign investor in Russia to becoming a human rights activist following the tragic murder of his lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky. Browder's story begins with his unique family history, marked by his grandfather's leadership of the American Communist Party and his father's persecution during the McCarthy era. This background fueled Browder's rebellious embrace of capitalism, leading him to Stanford Business School and a career in finance. He found his niche in post-Soviet Russia, capitalizing on the turbulent privatization process and establishing Hermitage Capital Management, which achieved remarkable success. However, Browder's activism against corporate corruption in Russia, particularly challenging powerful oligarchs, made him a target. His battles, including a high-stakes confrontation with Vladimir Potanin over the Sidanco oil company, highlighted the ruthless nature of Russian business and politics. Despite the risks, Browder persisted, uncovering vast corruption schemes like the systematic theft from Gazprom. His campaign, aided by strategic media exposure and the support of influential figures like Edmond Safra, forced changes in corporate governance and resulted in enormous financial returns. Browder's world was upended when the Russian government, under Putin, turned against him. He was expelled from Russia, his offices raided, and his lawyers targeted with fabricated criminal charges. This campaign of intimidation culminated in the arrest and subsequent death of Sergei Magnitsky, who was imprisoned after uncovering a $230 million tax fraud. Magnitsky's ordeal, marked by torture and denial of medical care, became a turning point for Browder. Driven by grief and a sense of responsibility, he abandoned his finance career and dedicated himself to seeking justice for Magnitsky. He navigated the complexities of international politics, lobbying Western governments, and engaging with human rights organizations. The campaign faced resistance, particularly from the US State Department, but gained momentum through strategic media engagement, including viral YouTube videos exposing the corruption and lavish lifestyles of the officials involved. Browder's efforts led to the passage of the groundbreaking Magnitsky Act in the United States, which imposed sanctions on Russian human rights abusers. This victory, achieved through bipartisan support and the tireless work of activists and politicians, became a model for similar legislation in other countries. Despite facing death threats and an Interpol Red Notice, Browder persisted, exposing further layers of the fraud and the complicity of Russian officials. His relentless pursuit of justice transformed him from a financier to a human rights activist, inspiring others to challenge impunity and hold authoritarian regimes accountable.