For decades, a secret army of tax attorneys, accountants and wealth managers has been developing into the shadowy Wealth Defence Industry. These ‘agents of inequality’ are paid millions to hide trillions for the richest 0.01%.
In this book, inequality expert Chuck Collins, who himself inherited a fortune, interviews the leading players and gives a unique insider account of how this industry is doing everything it can to create and entrench hereditary dynasties of wealth and power. He exposes the inner workings of these “agents of inequality”, showing how they deploy anonymous shell companies, family offices, offshore accounts, opaque trusts, and sham transactions to ensure the world’s richest pay next to no tax. He ends by outlining a robust set of policies that democratic nations can implement to shut down the Wealth Defence Industry for good.
This shocking exposé of the insidious machinery of inequality is essential reading for anyone wanting the inside story of our age of plutocratic plunder and stashed cash.
Also available as an audiobook.
In this book, inequality expert Chuck Collins, who himself inherited a fortune, interviews the leading players and gives a unique insider account of how this industry is doing everything it can to create and entrench hereditary dynasties of wealth and power. He exposes the inner workings of these “agents of inequality”, showing how they deploy anonymous shell companies, family offices, offshore accounts, opaque trusts, and sham transactions to ensure the world’s richest pay next to no tax. He ends by outlining a robust set of policies that democratic nations can implement to shut down the Wealth Defence Industry for good.
This shocking exposé of the insidious machinery of inequality is essential reading for anyone wanting the inside story of our age of plutocratic plunder and stashed cash.
Also available as an audiobook.
Table of Contents
Table of contents:AcknowledgementsForeword: Nicholas Shaxson
Prelude 1983: Discovering the Money River
Prelude 2004: The Blue Hippo Swindle
Prelude 2020: The Theft of Angola
Introduction
Chapter 1: The High Cost of Hidden Wealth
Chapter 2: Who Are the Wealth Defenders?
Chapter 3: Tools in the Wealth Hiding Toolbox
Chapter 4: All in the Family Office
Chapter 5: The Wealth Hiding in Your Neighborhood
Chapter 6: Directly Engaging the Wealth Defense Industry
Chapter 7: Solutions to Wealth Hiding
Conclusion: A Time for Bold Action
Epilogue: Grads, Don’t Work for the Billionaire Wealth Defense Industry
Reading and Resource List
Notes
