How Britain let Russia hide its dirty money
A piece looking at the influx of Russian money into the UK.
How to spot a perfect fake: the world’s top art forgery detective
As the prices commanded by landmark works and artists rise ever higher, so too does the sophistication of forgeries being produced to dupe collectors and institutions. A tip: it’s apparently far easier to copy a Modigliani than a Leonardo – at a recent exhibition of his work, 20 out of the 21 works on display were found to be counterfeits. This piece profiles the man said to be the very best in the field of science-led authentication.
Who are the new jihadis?
The author analyses information available about terrorist attackers today and evaluates the theory that they are “violent nihilists who adopt Islam, rather than religious fundamentalists who turn to violence”.
How the Tory election machine fell apart
A piece that challenges the common adage that The Conservative Party is the most adept in the UK at electoral campaigning.
The Most Potent, Permanent and Elusive Figure in British Politics
A fascinating January 2016 profile of Jeremy Heywood, the man heading the UK civil service. He has been an instrumental part of government during the reign of the last three Prime Ministers, and reportedly has a seat at every table that matters.
The Big Gamble
Betting shops are ubiquitous on Britain’s high streets. They can be very dangerous places to work.
Queen of Cartels
The story of Sandra Ávila Beltrán, a woman who reached the upper echelons of the Mexican drug cartels.
The last Nazi hunters
A look at the work of Germany’s Central Office for the Investigation of National Socialist Crimes.
The Day We Discovered Our Parents Were Russian Spies
Donald Heathfield and Tracey Foley’s two sons believed their parents were affluent, highly educated Canadians, who happened to live and work in America. In fact, they were Russian spies who had been deep undercover for several decades.
Fiercest of rivals, best of friends: cross-party pals in parliament
A piece looking at friendships in parliament that cross party lines. A piece with a positive slant that is perhaps unsurprisingly generating immediate online praise and opprobrium (in almost equal measure).