The Blood Bankers: Tales from the Global Underground Economy

Embark on a thrilling and eye-opening journey into the shadowy depths of the global underground economy with James S. Henry's meticulously researched and powerfully written book, "The Blood Bankers: Tales from the Global Underground Economy." This reprint edition offers a timely and relevant exploration of the hidden forces shaping our world, revealing the intricate networks of corruption, money laundering, and transnational crime that thrive in the era of globalization. More than just an expos, "The Blood Bankers" is a meticulously crafted investigative work that reads like a gripping detective novel. Henry, a seasoned investigative journalist and financial detective, masterfully weaves together seemingly disparate events from the plundering of national treasuries by corrupt regimes like the Marcos family in the Philippines to the systemic financial collapses that have plagued developing nations. He exposes the common threads that connect these scandals, tracing them back to the explosive growth of the underground economy over the past decades. Henry doesn't just point fingers; he provides a detailed and compelling analysis of the mechanisms that enable these illicit activities. He dissects the role of wide-open capital markets and the international banking system, revealing how they are exploited to launder staggering sums of money derived from illegal activities. The book fearlessly shines a light on the dark side of globalization, uncovering the burgeoning markets for influence-peddling, capital flight, weapons trafficking, drug smuggling, tax evasion, child labor exploitation, and illegal immigration. "The Blood Bankers" is a compelling read for anyone seeking to understand the complex and often-hidden forces that shape global events. It is a must-read for those interested in true crime, international politics, economics, and the shadowy world of finance. Expect a deep dive into specific case studies that exemplify the author's key arguments, and a clear explanation of the mechanics behind international money laundering schemes. James S. Henry is an economist, attorney, and investigative journalist with a distinguished career dedicated to exposing financial crime and promoting transparency. His deep understanding of global finance and his meticulous research make "The Blood Bankers" a seminal work in the field. He has a long track record of advising governments and NGOs on issues of tax justice, financial regulation, and anti-corruption policies. This book reflects years of dedicated research and offers a chillingly realistic portrait of a world where the pursuit of profit often trumps ethical considerations. The book also became influential as it brought attention to the role of tax havens in facilitating illicit financial flows, and in this way it contributes to the global conversation about inequality and financial responsibility. Dive into this page-turner to get a better understanding of the hidden powers at play in our global economy.