Terrible Humans: The World's Most Corrupt Super-Villains And The Fight to Bring Them Down

by Patrick Alley

'Few people have shown more commitment to investigative journalism than Patrick Alley. His latest book is a vivid, compelling testament to the importance of revealing corruption and wrong-doing and shining a light into dark places, wherever in the world they are.' -Peter Geoghegan, author of Democracy for Sale

A small number of people, motivated by an insatiable greed for power and wealth, and backed by a pinstripe army of enablers (and sometimes real armies too), have driven the world to the brink of destruction. They are the super-villains of corruption and war, some with a power greater than nation state and the capacity to derail the world order. Propping up their opulent lifestyles is a mess of crime, violence and deception on a monumental scale. But there is a small but fearless groups of brilliant undercover sleuths closing in on them, one step at a time.

In Terrible Humans, Patrick Alley, co-founder of Global Witness and the author of Very Bad People, introduces us to some of the world's worst warlords, grifters and kleptocrats who can be found everywhere from presidential palaces to the board rooms of some of the world's best known companies. Pitted against them, the book also follows the people unravelling the deals, tracking the money and going undercover at great risk. From the oligarch charged with ordering the killing of an investigative journalist to the mercenary army seizing the natural resources of an entire African country, this is a whirlwind tour of the dark underbelly of the world's super powerful and wickedly wealthy, and the daring investigators dragging them into the light.

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PRAISE FOR Very Bad

'Reads like a John le Carré novel but is, in fact, very real.' -The Big Issue

'Part true crime tale, part investigative procedural, this is the account of the brilliant and necessary superheroes of Global Witness, whose superpower is the truth.' -Edward Zwick, Director of Blood Diamond

'Very Bad People reads like a non-stop high-speed chase' -David Farr, Screenwriter, The Night Manager

'Simply riveting. Don't miss it.' -Misha Glenny, author of McMafia

'A clear-eyed account of a world poisoned by dark money, and a welcome reminder that resistance is possible.' -Irish Times

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, Crime, Social Science, Current Affairs, History

352 pages, Paperback

Published July 29, 2025

About the author

Patrick is one of the three founders of Global Witness.

Founded in 1993 Global Witness has become one of the world’s leading investigative organisations dedicated to rooting out corruption and environmental and human rights abuses around the world, with Patrick taking part in over fifty field investigations in South East Asia, Africa and Europe. Taking the findings to lawmakers and into the boardrooms of multinational companies Patrick and his colleagues have challenged the assumption that you can’t change things. Global Witness now has major focus on tackling the climate crisis.

Patrick is the author of Very Bad People, published in 2022, which charts some of Global Witness’ key investigations.

Alongside his two co-founders Patrick received the 2014 Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship. Global Witness was nominated for the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize for their work exposing the murderous trade in blood diamonds.

Reviews

[Iain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detailing investigations that exposed the corruption at the heart of global corporations, governments and bad actors, this is powerful stuff and a fascinating insight. On the downside, despite the author's attempt at optimism and the efforts of the brave investigators involved in these stories, by the end of the book you can't feel depressed at the lack of morality, empathy and general kindness that pervades the world today - and that greed, corruption, lies and illegality will continue to make the world a bitter, divided and hopeless place. Humanity should be ashamed, but instead, it isn't and society turns a blind eye.

[kt ply · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a lifelong anti-corruption advocate and the founder of Global Witness, Patrick Alley is well-versed and qualified enough to write a sequel to his first book, “Very Bad People.” Although I would recommend these books to anyone with an interest in International Relations and Criminal Justice, it may require a bit of background, but his stories are thought-provoking nonetheless and could prompt a new interest! What I enjoy most about Alley’s works is that he has been in the anti-corruption field for the majority of his career and has seen the shifts and transformations over the course of a few decades. I think this firsthand experience makes him especially credible and FASCINATING.

Alley’s writing was coherent in its observations but it definitely is a very dry humor that I appreciate. It may not be for everyone, but I think Alley did a great job at balancing the seriousness with making light of some incredibly dark topics. I was such a fan of “Very Bad People,” and Terrible Humans was just as great, if not better. Books on this topic inspire me in my own career and sometimes it’s jaw-dropping that these are personal accounts and true stories. Truly some terrible humans that we should all be inspired to bring them down. With equal parts observation, memoir, and historical accuracy, there wasn’t even room for Alley to include any filler or fluff so overall this was a great read, especially if you are interested in the subject! Patrick Alley, if you ever read this, I am definitely a self-proclaimed fangirl! Sending regards from Georgetown!

Check out my review of “Very Bad People” here - https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/sho...

[Derek McRonald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eye opening , a hard read though due to the detail and complexity of the subject in some chapters. The first chapter could put you off reading further , how ever perseverance is recommended.

[Marco Gemaque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sent this guys my cv

[Rosemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written, informative and powerfully evocative recounting of investigations into terrible humans (and organisations), and the brave, resilient, and down-right clever people who expose them to the world for the cancerous, wealth and power grabbing, blights on humanity that they are. Alley recounts investigations by his own organisation, Global Witness, and those of other organisations, like Citizen Lab, Sea Shepard, and Wildlife Justice Commission, and covers wildlife crimes, private armies, the mining industry and the palm oil industry.

[Steve Gabell · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredibly detailed reporting of the investigative journalism into some of the worst people on Earth. Focusing largely on work done by the author's organisation Global Witness, the book also draws on investigations from other organisations.

If you care about corruption, human rights, protection of wildlife, and protection of our planet this is well worth reading.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting read, and very up-to-date. I particularly enjoyed reading about how satellite imagery is often used in uncovering foul-play.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

An interesting read.

[Amy Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read! great stories detailing how people have painstakingly investigated and fought against corrupt people and businesses. Truly inspiring

[Peter Fleming · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a serious piece of writing highlighting some of the investigative journalism work and activism of Global Witness and the like-minded organisations they have worked alongside. It is a book that will make your blood boil one moment before leaving you with tears of despair for what some of mankind is doing. So, take a few calming breaths before you begin and try to look for the occasional bits of hope.

This is a book that takes the reader from the refineries of Russian and the war with the Ukraine, to illegal fishing in the Antarctic, with numerous visits to danger spots across the world and places like Africa and Brazil. It highlights the incredible bravery of journalists and activists attempting to highlight breathtaking abuse and corruption (financial and political). A world where the most valuable criminals are not safe crackers but money launderers, where individual rights are ignored in search of profit and no thought is given to the environment. These investigators are the people who deserve recognition and honours rather than actors and sportsmen.

Colonialism is now a dirty word and the target of Critical Race Theory. It seems ironic that whilst activists are trying to expunge every trace of it in Europe a new form, a neo-colonialism is happening in many parts of the world. The influence of China and Russia is tying the future of African nations to them by infrastructure and aid, in exchange mineral rights and mining concessions. As the book lays out the influence of the Wagner Group takes it further, being in some impoverished countries the de facto rulers. Whilst the atrocities carried out don’t quite reach the levels of those done in the name of King Leopold II the net result is largely the same. Native people exploited and impoverished whilst resources and wealth are taken. The only significant difference being, it is often done with the help and tacit agreement of local politicians, in exchange for a share of the wealth.

Global warming is on everyone’s lips, rightly so, but the world environment is being put under pressure as never before. The scale of trafficking of animal parts, elephant ivory, rhinoceros’ horn, and pangolin scales has hardly abated and in some parts of the world they are still traded out in the open. The level of illegal fishing has been somewhat unrecognised because much of it carried out in the waters around Antarctica, these waters are vast and far away from the trade routes. The chapter on the ‘Thunder’ gives a good idea of the incredible amount of work, some of it dangerous, required to bring one vessel to book.

The case studies are individually interesting, give insight to the dangers faced and how diverse groups can work together in common cause. Some highlight the negative roles some corporations play in the name of profit and the actions of their teams of highly paid (and sometimes mendacious) lawyers. The work of Global Witness does must be researched, documented and evidenced with the upmost care with the constant threat of legal action, which could bankrupt them or tie them up in courts for years to come. This uber professionalism comes through in the writing, though the style adopted is one readable by the masses and not full of sub notes and references. If the reader wants to explore further there is a section of references at the back of the book.

There are some glimmers of hope though; the case studies have some positive outcomes even if they are not to complete satisfaction. The author also looks to the current wave of activism (Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil) likening their actions to the suffragettes. For me the difference is the demands of the suffragettes were within the ambit of the then politicians to grant.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book that I found to be interesting and also opened my eyes to various things that have happened around the world. The author is the co-founder of Global Witness, I think I have come across this organisation before but didn't know much about them. Global Witness, according to their website focus is"Our goal is a more sustainable, just and equal planet. We want forests and biodiversity to thrive, fossil fuels to stay in the ground and corporations to prioritise the interests of people and the planet."

For this book, the author has taken reports that many others have taken the lead on and is now sharing them. There are 8 reports that he shares with the reader and he tells of how the investigating reporting/ journalist brought the facts out and was able to show how those in power have abused the planet. The reports include a major oil company, fraud, pirate fishing, mercenaries, wildlife trafficking, human rights violations and sanctions, spyware and murder.

The author brings the reports and explains why happened and the resulting outcome. Some of the reports put the reporters in danger. They hold a belief that what they are doing is the right thing and highlight how some of the richest people in the world are willing to go to extreme lengths to keep control of their position and status, living a lifestyle that is often at the cost of others' lives.

The book is well laid out with each report giving a glimpse at the diverse crimes that are happening in the world. Some of these reports I was aware of, well not so much aware of the report but had seen an article on the news.

This is a book that shares and shows how corruption, conspiracy, greed, power and status can all be twisted, used and abused. The effect is felt by those further down the social ladder who live in poverty and don't have options, especially in a third-world country. Having organisations like Global Witness and having people willing to take risks and report on corruption is one way of bringing the wrong to the forefront.

This was an interesting book and one that I enjoyed reading, although enjoyed does not feel like the right word to use. It was interesting and it is one I would happily recommend.

[Jessica Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm really struggling with this one, which is rare for me. The subject matter is important, and I’m glad to see the hard work of journalists and activists being highlighted. But at times, it feels more like a promotional piece for Global Witness than a balanced narrative. That constant angle makes it harder to stay engaged.

The writing style isn’t helping either. Some sections feel clunky, and the overuse of punctuation which I now associated with openAI writing style (especially em dashes), disrupts the flow. I know it’s a small thing, but it makes the tone feel overly dramatic and less grounded.

The stories themselves are interesting and definitely worth telling, but the direction often feels unclear. I keep drifting off. It’s already a tough topic, and the structure and style make it even harder to read.

Someone else mentioned that the first chapter might put people off, and I’d agree. It does improve a little after that, but only slightly. I’ve got a feeling I won’t make it to the end. It’s a shame, but not every book hits the mark, even when the intentions are good.

[Fatguyreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrible Humans was certainly an interesting read. It's a book that was obviously well researched and it's informative and well written.

It will open your eyes to the greedy, corrupt, power hungry people and organisations that, unfortunately, exist in the world today. It's a book that exposes these "Terrible Humans" and organisations but also highlights the brave people who brought about these exposures, such as Sea Shepherd.

Written by the co-founder of Global Witness, the book uncovers how these people and organisations have abused the planet in such industries as Oil, and Mining.

I found this to be quite an easy read, with all the information laid out clearly for the reader and I read this in two sittings.

4 stars from me.

[Benjamin Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye-opening look into investigative journalism as well as the corruption across the globe. Detail heavy in parts and definitely left me with a bit of hopelessness for the world while at the same time making me want to drop everything and go and apply for a job at global witness. Truly amazed by the story of the Sea Shepard and it’s worth the read just for this

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but not great some stories fell short imo

[Charlie Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful look into the machinations behind various nefarious deeds.

[Jack Marsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Expected it to be better, there were very good anecdotes especially the northern sea section, I enjoyed but could have been better.

[Tom.Godfrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great investigative journalism book. I appreciate the specific details as to how the team acquired information, fact checked, and the specific exchanges. Insight into the process as much as the results.

It’s crazy the schemes and operations of some of these super villains. Thankful for some of the protagonists like Global Witness for keeping these villains to account.

When I read narratives like this I keep thinking that really a person has a choice to make… Whether to go down the dark path or the righteous path. Neither is intrinsically good or bad in my opinion, but rather there is a choice that one needs to make because the dark arts has its own world of complexity. It does seem very tempting. Focusing on the illegal fishing narrative in particular, as the authors describe themselves, it’s basically a financial no brainer if you can move past the morality side. If you’re downside is 2 million, but you’re upside is 5 million per year, and you have no competition and the risk of detection is low, any rational business person would have to undertake that activity.

“You can always trust a commercial company to do the right thing, but not before they’ve exhausted every other alternative” Winston Churchill.

One of the stories focused on oil companies during wartime. In that narrative, the book has a way of making the legal feel impliedly illegal by pointing to the immorality of capital in wartime. It implies oil companies should have handed over excess gains made as a direct result of the Russian-Ukraine conflict. I find this position challenging. A company should maximise profits within the bounds of the law, and advocate for profits. If public opinion is such that these profits should be ceded to the public (eg social license), then focus on Government inaction, not the bleeding hearts of C-suite oil companies. True it’s a subtle point given the nexus between politics and money but for me an important one.

Some interesting tricks of the trade. Second time I’ve heard of this concept of creating email drafts as a form of untraceable correspondence. Also an app that will indicate when and where an email is opened.