National Network for Equitable Library Service

Longlisted for the Financial Times & McKinsey Business Book of the Year. One of The Economist's Best Books of 2021. In this compelling story of lies, greed, and tarnished idealism, two Wall Street Journal reporters investigate a man whom Bill Gates, Western governments, and other investors entrusted with billions of dollars to make profits and end poverty, but who now stands accused of masterminding one of the biggest, most brazen financial frauds ever. Arif Naqvi was charismatic, inspiring, and self-made—all the qualities of a successful business leader. The founder of Abraaj, a Dubai-based private equity firm, Naqvi was the key man to the global elite searching for impact investments to make money and do good. He persuaded politicians he could help stabilize the Middle East after 9/11 by providing jobs and guided executives to opportunities in cities they struggled to find on the map. Bill Gates helped him start a