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Unveiling the shadows: The gripping tale of ‘Bribe, Inc’
In the realm of investigative documentaries, few stories capture the essence of global corruption as vividly as “Bribe, Inc.” Directed by the multiple Emmy-winning documentarian and investigative reporter Peter Klein, this film delves into the murky waters of corporate bribery, revealing a web of deceit that spans continents and implicates powerful figures.
The enigmatic whistleblower: Figaro
At the heart of this documentary is a whistleblower known only as Figaro. His identity is shrouded in mystery, a necessary precaution given the explosive nature of his revelations. Figaro’s fear of retribution is palpable, leading the filmmakers to take extraordinary measures to protect him. His silhouette is blurred, his voice altered, and his words spoken by none other than William B. Davis, famously known as the “smoking man” from “The X-Files.”
The investigation begins
The story of “Bribe, Inc.” begins with the work of acclaimed Australian journalist Nick McKenzie. With Figaro’s help and a trove of emails, McKenzie uncovered a massive corruption scandal involving the Monaco-based company Unaoil, run by the Ahsani family. Unaoil was found to be acting as a middleman for global corporations, facilitating an “industrial scale bribery operation” to secure multi-million dollar government contracts in oil-rich nations.
Watch the trailer for “Bribe, Inc.”
The global reach of corruption
What started as an investigation into Unaoil’s dealings with the Australian multinational company Leighton in Iraq quickly expanded. The scandal’s tentacles reached into numerous countries and implicated well-known conglomerates, with potentially massive global repercussions. Klein aptly describes the corruption at the heart of “Bribe, Inc.” as the ”Jeffrey Epstein story for bribery,” highlighting the numerous powerful individuals who would prefer their stories remain untold.
The untold stories
“Bribe, Inc.” goes beyond the initial investigation, offering viewers unprecedented insights. It’s the first time Figaro has spoken publicly. Additionally, Tom Martin, a prosecutor for the U.K.’s Serious Fraud Office who was unfairly dismissed after pursuing Unaoil, shares his story. The film also reveals a startling detail: upon arrest, a member of the Ahsani family made a solitary phone call to an FBI agent.
The resistance
Despite Klein’s relentless efforts, many key figures refused to participate in the documentary. No former employees of Unaoil or members of the Ahsani family would speak on the record. Surprisingly, even the Serious Fraud Office, the Department of Justice, and the FBI, who had been aggressively pursuing the Ahsanis, declined to comment.
Klein expresses his frustration, noting, “I have interviewed FBI agents and Department of Justice people on much more controversial and higher profile stories, ones dealing with national intelligence and all sorts of things, so it’s frankly absurd that they wouldn’t make someone available.” He also mentions that many individuals who had worked with the Ahsanis attempted to dissuade him from pursuing the story or to steer him in a different direction.
The explosive revelations
Despite the resistance, ”Bribe, Inc.” manages to deliver explosive revelations. Klein believes he has only “scratched the surface” of the global bribery scandal, suggesting that many powerful individuals remain implicated in these crimes. The documentary’s impact is profound, leaving viewers with a sense of the vastness and complexity of corporate corruption.
A call for further investigation
Klein hints at the possibility of a sequel, stating, “I feel like there are a lot of powerful people who are still implicated in these crimes whose stories have not come out. Maybe we’ll keep digging and do a part two.” This open-ended reflection invites viewers to ponder the depths of corruption and the importance of continued investigative journalism.
For cinema and TV series enthusiasts, “Bribe, Inc.” offers a compelling narrative that combines the thrill of a conspiracy thriller with the gravitas of real-world implications. It serves as a stark reminder of the power of journalism and the courage of those who dare to expose the truth.
Watch the trailer for “Bribe, Inc.”
“Bribe, Inc.” is more than just a documentary; it’s a call to action, urging us to remain vigilant and to support those who risk everything to bring hidden truths to light.
