The money launderer’s bookshelf: part II

Last month, writes Sue Grossey, I reviewed some of the books I have read recently, which described, discussed, touched upon or even laughed at money laundering. In case I have whetted your appetite, here are some more.

Sue Grossey may be contacted on tel: +44 (0)1223 563636; email susan@thinkingaboutcrime.com

“Triple Identity” by Haggai Carmon

“Triple Identity” is the first in a series of books subtitled “A Dan Gordon Intelligence Thriller,” written by Haggai Carmon, an international lawyer. The books feature an investigating attorney called Dan Gordon, who works for a (supposedly fictional) unit of the US Department of Justice that combats money laundering outside the US. In this first outing, Gordon – an indefatigable bloodhound with a secret past in the Mossad – begins a routine investigation into fraud and money laundering but soon finds himself embroiled in something far more sinister and urgent: the byzantine, subterranean methods by which rogue states (in this case, Iran) seek to acquire nuclear materials. From a money laundering point of view, there is an interesting Munich banker called Guttmacher: “Backer & Hass catered to high net worth individuals who needed an astute banker to manage assets and hedge against market trends. Above all, such people needed discretion. With a few conspicuous exceptions, rich people don’t like to be flashy with their wealth and attract tax collectors, charity solicitations and sudden new relatives. I had also come across rumours that money launderers favoured the bank because its managers looked the other way, ignoring suspicious movements that would have triggered the attention of more reputable bankers.” “