Operation Relentless

Russian billionaire Viktor Bout was the world's foremost arms dealer. Known as the 'Merchant of Death', he was both "Public Enemy No. 1" to the global intelligence agencies who hunted him and a ruthless criminal worth a fortune. He was also a former KGB officer and a tool of the Kremlin.

For decades, Bout had eluded capture, building up a labyrinthine network of airlines rushing weapons to dictators, rebels, despots, and terror groups worldwide. An enemy of the free nations of the world and a top global sanctions buster, Bout was hunted by MI6, INTERPOL, the CIA, the NSA, and more. Holed up in Moscow—from where he masterminded the sale of anything from AK47s to state-of-the-art helicopter gunships and anti-aircraft missiles—he was shielded by a Russian state that was a partner in his dark dealings. In short, Bout appeared utterly invulnerable and beyond hope of capture.

Step forward former SAS man Mike Snow, AKA 'The Bear'. After serving in the world's most famous special forces unit, Snow had worked as a bush pilot in war-torn Africa, where he'd got to know Bout well. Via a secretive, shadow network, Snow was approached by the US Drugs Enforcement Agency. The DEA agents had one question for him: was Snow able to get Bout—the Lord of War?

This is the incredible tale of Operation Relentless, the top-secret mission masterminded by Snow and a handful of DEA operatives—a manhunt that ranges from the steamy jungles of Colombia to the ice-bound streets of Moscow, and from horrific bloodshed and tyranny in Afghanistan to a snatch operation like no other. Based upon the firsthand testimonies of those who were there, award-winning author Damien Lewis reveals a story that reads like an impossible thriller, but every word is true.