In The Mastermind, award-winning investigative journalist Evan Ratliff tells the harrowing true story of Paul Le Roux, a brilliant programmer who created a powerful online cartel that merged the ruthlessness of traditional drug lords with the advanced technological savvy characteristic of the 21st century. This book chronicles the relentless, decade-long pursuit by law enforcement to bring down Le Roux, who operated primarily from a laptop in Manila, leaving chaos and destruction in his wake.
What began as an online prescription drug network spiraled into a sprawling multinational criminal empire. Le Roux was behind massive shipments of cocaine, methamphetamine, and gold bars, operating with a level of sophistication that eluded authorities for years. His operations included everything from weapons deals with Iran to employing mercenary armies in Somalia. As DEA agents played a tense global game of cat-and-mouse with this reclusive criminal genius, each step closer to his capture would see him slip away yet again, using encryption so advanced it baffled even the most skilled investigators.
The tension escalated as Ratliff dives deep into the investigation, revealing key moments of betrayal within Le Roux’s own organization. With a wealth of interviews and a trove of documents, Ratliff constructs a narrative that is both gripping and insightful, shedding light on the shadows of modern crime. The culmination of his four years of research gives us a vivid portrait of not only Paul Le Roux but also the world of law enforcement grappling with the realities of digital-age crime.
Praise from critics highlights The Mastermind as one of the best books of the year. It’s been described as a "tour de force of investigative reporting" by the Los Angeles Times and captivating enough to draw comparisons to both El Chapo and Edward Snowden by Kirkus Reviews.
This riveting tale is more than a true crime story; it’s a reflection of a changing world where crime adapts and evolves with technology, raising questions about justice, morality, and the nature of authority in an increasingly digital age.
