Quiller bags memoir by ex-spy and Evening Standard owner Lebedev

Quiller has scooped a memoir by Alexander Lebedev, ex-KGB spy, oligarch and owner of the Evening Standard and Independent.

Quiller m.d. Andrew Johnston acquired English language world rights for Hunt the Banker from the author via his lawyers.  The book, which sold 40,000 copies in Russia, will be published in July, supported by a media campaign.

Covering his life until 2016, Lebedev reveals details of how the Russian elite live plus discussions with leading businessmen, politicians and celebrities. He also investigates corruption scandals, dodgy multi-billion-dollar deals and contract killings.

The publisher explained: “There is the thread of a whodunnit as his attempts at constructive and charitable business enterprises are systematically torpedoed by a person or persons unknown. He names along the way, and describes the dirty tricks and the attempt to assassinate him.

“This book is ultimately a portrait of a fraudulent system which is a challenge to justice and the well-being of people, and which Lebedev considers as another little step in the battle against international kleptocracy.”

Johnson said: “I am really pleased to have secured this outstanding memoir for our burgeoning biography list. It is a fascinating and revealing exposé not only of Putin’s Russia but from being a KGB officer in London in the 1980s it is journey through the trials and tribulations of high finance and corruption in modern Russia to acquiring the Evening Standard and the Independent in London. This will appeal to anyone with an interest in world politics, international banking and survival in the face of overwhelming odds.”