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The Maz Files: Scoops, Scams And Showdowns
About the Book
A THRILLING ACCOUNT OF SOME OF THE MOST INTERTESTING CASES FROM MAZHAR FAROOQUI’S LIFE AS AN INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST.
‘If someone were to bump me off, it would be difficult to determine who it was, which is slightly disturbing.’
Investigative journalist Mazhar Farooqui—Maz—has been unyielding in his pursuit of international crime lords. A trailblazer in investigative reporting, Maz’s fearless and uncompromising brands of journalism earned him bribe offers and death threats in equal measure.
In this thrilling memoir, he takes us for a wild ride extending from the Burj Khalifa to the badlands of befriending the likes of M.F. Husain, making enemies of the likes of Raja Bhaiya (and Michael Jackson), chasing conmen and being chased by cannibals, reuniting families and exposing scamsters. In a breezy, conversationalist style, he invites readers to share his adventures and feel some of the same thrill and satisfaction that he felt uncovering the stories over three decades, and resulting in legal action against more than 250 criminals.
A call to action for justice, and an action-packed adventure, The Maz Files is an absolute must-read.
About the Author
Mazhar Farooqui, also known as Maz, is a Dubai-based journalist currently serving as the Senior Editor at Khaleej Times. He has previously worked for publications such as Gulf News, The Times of India, Hindustan Times and The Pioneer, among others. Maz has received numerous national and international awards for his investigative work. Additionally, he is the founder and president of Aaghaz Foundation, an educational charity organisation based in India.
A THRILLING ACCOUNT OF SOME OF THE MOST INTERTESTING CASES FROM MAZHAR FAROOQUI’S LIFE AS AN INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST.
‘If someone were to bump me off, it would be difficult to determine who it was, which is slightly disturbing.’
Investigative journalist Mazhar Farooqui—Maz—has been unyielding in his pursuit of international crime lords. A trailblazer in investigative reporting, Maz’s fearless and uncompromising brands of journalism earned him bribe offers and death threats in equal measure.
In this thrilling memoir, he takes us for a wild ride extending from the Burj Khalifa to the badlands of befriending the likes of M.F. Husain, making enemies of the likes of Raja Bhaiya (and Michael Jackson), chasing conmen and being chased by cannibals, reuniting families and exposing scamsters. In a breezy, conversationalist style, he invites readers to share his adventures and feel some of the same thrill and satisfaction that he felt uncovering the stories over three decades, and resulting in legal action against more than 250 criminals.
A call to action for justice, and an action-packed adventure, The Maz Files is an absolute must-read.
About the Author
Mazhar Farooqui, also known as Maz, is a Dubai-based journalist currently serving as the Senior Editor at Khaleej Times. He has previously worked for publications such as Gulf News, The Times of India, Hindustan Times and The Pioneer, among others. Maz has received numerous national and international awards for his investigative work. Additionally, he is the founder and president of Aaghaz Foundation, an educational charity organisation based in India.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 26, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 1, 2025
**Skimmed through the second half of the book**
A homie came up to me and said, “Oh, you’re from UP, you must enjoy controversial stories (stereotype). There’s this book that talks about Babri Masjid and Raja Bhaiya in the first 2 chapters” and I was sold (stereotype checks out). Honestly, this book gave me more depth to UP’s dirty politics, the lores of which you hear growing up.
Of course, books like this should always be taken with a pinch of salt(swaad anusaar), nevertheless, some chapters were really engrossing. On the other hand, the parts about cybercrime in Dubai and other parts of the world didn’t hold my interest (personal bias ig).
What I didn’t like, is that almost throughout the book, observations are presented without any inference, or discussion. The narrative leans more toward self-praise—“I did this, I did that”—and at times comes across as quite narcissistic.
Maybe will finish the second half w attention to detail some other time!
A homie came up to me and said, “Oh, you’re from UP, you must enjoy controversial stories (stereotype). There’s this book that talks about Babri Masjid and Raja Bhaiya in the first 2 chapters” and I was sold (stereotype checks out). Honestly, this book gave me more depth to UP’s dirty politics, the lores of which you hear growing up.
Of course, books like this should always be taken with a pinch of salt(swaad anusaar), nevertheless, some chapters were really engrossing. On the other hand, the parts about cybercrime in Dubai and other parts of the world didn’t hold my interest (personal bias ig).
What I didn’t like, is that almost throughout the book, observations are presented without any inference, or discussion. The narrative leans more toward self-praise—“I did this, I did that”—and at times comes across as quite narcissistic.
Maybe will finish the second half w attention to detail some other time!
October 10, 2024
What a truly thrilling read!
December 15, 2024
The Maz Files by Mazhar Farooqui is a gripping and eye-opening compilation of his work as an undercover investigative reporter. With a sharp eye for detail and a fearless approach to exposing corruption, fraud, and exploitation, Farooqui takes readers behind the scenes of his most daring investigations
The book is a thrilling rollercoaster ride, filled with high-stakes encounters, hidden truths, and a relentless pursuit of justice. Farooqui’s writing is both engaging and courageous, providing readers with a rare glimpse into the world of investigative journalism.
His firsthand accounts of infiltrating fraudulent networks and exposing the wrongdoers are as compelling as they are enlightening. The Maz Files serves not only as an exposé but as a testament to the power of journalism in holding the powerful accountable.
The book is a thrilling rollercoaster ride, filled with high-stakes encounters, hidden truths, and a relentless pursuit of justice. Farooqui’s writing is both engaging and courageous, providing readers with a rare glimpse into the world of investigative journalism.
His firsthand accounts of infiltrating fraudulent networks and exposing the wrongdoers are as compelling as they are enlightening. The Maz Files serves not only as an exposé but as a testament to the power of journalism in holding the powerful accountable.
August 26, 2024
"Every time I run out of story ideas, I look up the wonderful world of classified advertisements." When an investigative journalist says this, he's making a significant point that sometimes simple things provide clues to bigger ones. In The Maz Files, Mazhar Farooqui shows how he produced one inconceivable story after another by stitching together anonymous tips with his follow-ups. His ability to be in the right place at the right time is remarkable.
The Maz Files is a roller coaster of a book, with each story outshining the other in scale and reach. They could serve as case studies on identifying and stopping a scam in its tracks.
It reads like fiction, only that it is not! I'm already looking forward to a sequel.
The Maz Files is a roller coaster of a book, with each story outshining the other in scale and reach. They could serve as case studies on identifying and stopping a scam in its tracks.
It reads like fiction, only that it is not! I'm already looking forward to a sequel.
October 1, 2024
I picked this book in Delhi with a mix of intrigue and skepticism. An investigative journalist in Dubai? Really? But when I started reading it on a flight to Mumbai, I am must concede that I was totally blown away. Living an adrenaline filled life is one thing but writing it so wonderfully is a different ball game and it's the latter that what makes The Maz Files so wonderfully special. Take a bow, Mazhar Farooqui. This book is has got all that it takes to be turned into a blockbuster Netflix webseries. Can't wait for a sequelZ
September 16, 2024
Mazhar Farooqui - A pioneering Indian investigative journalist, akin to James Bond. His memoir, 'The Maz Files - scoops, scams, and showdowns' serves as a clarion call for justice and an action-packed narrative (a must-read).
Gripping account of his experience during the initial struggles in life and then not only helping the other who had fallen in the swamp of scam, but also bring then to justice make him the real hero.
More power to your pen.
Gripping account of his experience during the initial struggles in life and then not only helping the other who had fallen in the swamp of scam, but also bring then to justice make him the real hero.
More power to your pen.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews