8. Expelled by Kremlin, an investor fights back

Obama meets with Israeli and Palestinian leaders Browder's problems, in fact, were just beginning. The phone call was one move in a wide-ranging offensive by Russian law enforcement that exposed Browder to the kind of crippling investigations that Kremlin critics have regularly endured under Putin. It appeared that the ultimate goal was not only to seize Browder's investment empire, but also to make him an example of what happened to those who did not toe the government's line. His downfall offers a study in how the Kremlin wields power in the Putin era: The rule of law is subject to its wishes, and those out of favor are easy prey. Browder fell victim to the official corruption afflicting Russia, and the Kremlin's unwillingness to combat it by bolstering the independence of the police and courts. The Kremlin may be reluctant... [read full story]