How Sergei Magnitsky Uncovered a $230 Million Tax Fraud I Investigators

VICE News
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Published 2021-03-22
Sergei Magnitsky was a tax advisor tasked with investigating an audacious crime of fraud in Russia. What he discovered went all the way to the highest levels of the Kremlin and implicated police and officials in the biggest tax fraud case in Russian history involving $230 million. And the cost of this discovery was his life.

Magnitsky worked for Jamison Firestone and his legal company Firestone Duncan, who advised Bill Browder and his US investment fund Hermitage Capital. In 2008, both companies were raided by interior minister officials who seized the documents and corporate seals.

Soon after, the ownership of Hermitage Capital mysteriously changed into the hands of an organised crime group, and an illegal $230 million dollar tax rebate was issued. Bill and Jamison asked Sergei Magnitsky to find out what was really going on.

When he discovered the scale of corruption and reported it, those he accused had him thrown in jail. After a year of living in horrendous conditions and being denied medical care, Magnitsky was murdered. In the wake of his death, Bill Browder and Jamison Firestone have dedicated their lives to seeking Justice for Sergei and retelling his story

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All Comments (21)
  • @gailgrant3209
    That’s such a brutal and sad story. I have such admiration for Magnitsky and you for getting justice for him.
  • @suhanaahmed4960
    RIP Sergei :( what a strong and brave man. I dont even think the Russian state realises the difference between normal business and corruption.
  • @jonathanedwardgibson
    My heart swells with pride for Jamie’s righteous battle to vindicate Sergei and protect his adopted families.
  • @chatnoir1224
    A member of Russian opposition and a journalist , Vladimir Kara-Murza, who supported Magnitski act and suggested the list of people who should be under section, he in 2015 was poisoned and barely survived. Putin regime really didn't like this act.
  • @justaguy6100
    Thank you VICE. The hardest hitting, riskiest reporting available. A rarity in modern journalism.
  • @Theonlybreed22
    Bill Browder’s book is one of the best non-fiction stories I have ever read. It reads better and is more unbelievable than almost any other thriller and is a complete page turner. For such a tragic story, Bill and his team have created a legacy that is honestly changing the world.
  • @user-ll5id2kw8g
    Magnitsky is a hero. He will not be forgotten and justice will be served. If not now in the future.
  • @DudesIn101
    People who stand for something that is right and they truly believe in is better than laying down and doing nothing at all,Thank you for standing up for what you believe in,and sharing this with the world,I'm proud of you...
  • @vladardi
    I was 14 when Magnitsky case took place, but the horror of it does not fade out... I'm from Russia
    Thanks to these guys for doing all of the hard work to create pressure on those criminals who have commited such a horible homicide...
  • @countryclubbin1016
    Sergei is a one in a million person, who put justice and what's right above his own life. This is a disgusting story about a beautiful man. RIP Sergei! 🙏
  • @trj1442
    Thank you for bringing Sergei's story to the world. It appears he was a very dignified, principled man. I feel sorry for his wife and kids that he died because of his principles.
  • @ZedaaaaHD
    Brutal story, but i want to at least congratulate you both with the progress of your campaign which has now reached the complete Europian Union. This will hurt them very bad.
  • @Astrojamus
    r.i.p sergei ... so thankful for guys like you in this world
  • @cooldudep
    Now this is the Vice News I subscribed for.
    Rest in peace Sergei.
  • @Yarrrr1111
    Public in West and especially UK and USA should be informed about crimes of ruling elite in Russia. They and their family members assets should be arrested and thoughtfully examinated through open investigation. I'm so glad we see the begging of this process.
  • @taterkaze9428
    Browder's dedication to Magnitsky is inspirational.
  • @BilloBob1231
    Thank you for sharing this story, and hats off to Bill Browder and Jamison Firestone for their commitment even though it is very painful for them.