I would like to thank David Packouz and Alex Podrizki for telling me their stories. Likewise, I’m grateful to Efraim Diveroli for sharing as much of his tale as his lawyers would allow. The fourth defendant, the financier Ralph Merrill, was swept up by events nearly entirely beyond his control; I hope he feels that he has received a measure of justice by finally having the whole tale told.
Miami criminal attorney Ken Kukec provided the initial entrée to this case and I am grateful for his belief in me. I was also helped to navigate treacherous legal waters by defense lawyers Nathan Crane, Peter Stirba, Hy Shapiro, and Cynthia Hawkins. To assist me in understanding the inner workings of the global arms trade, Colby Goodman of the Center for International Policy provided invaluable insights, as did Hugh Griffith of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Nick Wood was generous describing the background to his reporting in Albania for the New York Times, and Sharon Weinberger of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars was kind enough to share sources and leads. On the intricacies of life and death in Albania, I was guided by Gary Kokolari, Erion Veliaj, Gjergj Thanasi, Theo Alexandridis, and Dorian Matlija. Genta Trebicka also provided assistance; she and I both hope the truth about her father’s death will one day be revealed.
This adventure began in midtown Manhattan, at lunch with my editors at Rolling Stone, Eric Bates and Will Dana. I thank them for their support, intelligence, and wit. I am also grateful to Alison Weinflash and Sacha Lecca at the magazine, along with the irrepressible owner Jann Wenner for providing a venue for this kind of journalism.
Many people had a hand in crafting this book. Three editors at Simon & Schuster worked with me: Karen Thompson started the project, Karyn Marcus helped shape the narrative, and Emily Graff saw it through to completion. I am grateful to all three for their care and diligence and creativity. Jonathan Karp acquired the book and provided an insightful and patient voice during the difficult days every author encounters; his sense of humor and proportion were vital and very much appreciated. I couldn’t ask for a better publicist than Larry Hughes, and the marketing efforts of Cary Goldstein and social media campaign of Elina Vaysbeyn were exemplary. The manuscript required a careful legal edit, and Elisa Rivlin more than rose to the occasion. Publishing truly is a team sport and I am grateful for the efforts of all involved.
Finally, I would like to thank my siblings—Ben, Liza, Hugh—the Kaimal clan, the Arons, the O’Learys, Merrily Weisbord, Scott Anderson, Barry Berman, Charles Foran, the awesome gang at MKFIF, and all the many great friends who provide encouragement and laughter. To the smart, strong, and beautiful women in my life—to Lucy, to Anna, and to Maya—my love and gratitude are forever yours.