The mysterious death of a teenager who posed as a Russian billionaire has been explored in a new podcast. Journalist Patrick Radden Keefe delves into the double life and tragic death of 19-year-old Zac Brettler, shedding light on London's dark underbelly.
London's Magnet for Global Wealth
For decades, London has been a magnet for global wealth, a flashy playground for the super-rich. To one teenage boy, it contained an elite scene he desperately wanted to be part of: the oligarch class. Not just rich, but powerfully connected billionaires who amassed such huge fortunes with so few questions asked that they helped turn London into what was called the "dirty money capital" of the world.
Zac Brettler's Double Life
Zac Brettler began posing as the son of a Russian billionaire. Within months, he was found dead on the riverbank in central London. He was 19 years old. In his explosive new book, the author and New Yorker journalist Patrick Radden Keefe has tried to uncover what the Metropolitan police failed to. He tells Nosheen Iqbal how he started to try to find out what had really happened to Zac, and how he had become ensnared in one of London's most dangerous circles.
Investigating the Death
Keefe's investigation reveals the complexities of Brettler's life and the circumstances surrounding his death. The podcast explores the allure of wealth and power that drew Brettler into a world of deception and danger. Through interviews and research, Keefe pieces together the events leading up to the tragic end.
London's Dark Underbelly
The story highlights the darker side of London's elite society, where vast fortunes are made with little scrutiny. Brettler's case is a stark reminder of the risks associated with the city's role as a haven for global wealth. The podcast serves as a cautionary tale about the pursuit of status and the consequences of living a lie.
