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Stone Cold Trouble: Zaq Jags Uncovers the Truth Behind the Russian Mob's Influence in Hollywood

W.B. Yeats

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In his groundbreaking new book, Stone Cold Trouble, investigative journalist Zaq Jags delves deep into the murky world of organized crime and its pervasive influence in the glittering halls of Hollywood. Through meticulous research and exclusive interviews, Jags exposes the intricate web of connections that tie Russian mobsters to some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry.

Stone Cold Trouble (Zaq & Jags)

by Amer Anwar

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1484 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	396 pages

Jags begins his investigation by tracing the rise of Russian organized crime in the United States. After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, a new wave of Russian immigrants arrived in America, many of them with connections to the criminal underworld. These immigrants quickly established themselves in the lucrative drug trade and other illicit activities, amassing vast fortunes that they used to infiltrate legitimate businesses, including Hollywood.

One of the most notorious Russian mobsters to operate in Hollywood was Vyacheslav "Yaponchik" Ivankov. Known as the "Crime Lord of Hollywood," Ivankov extorted millions of dollars from Russian businesses and laundered his ill-gotten gains through real estate investments. He also had close ties to several Hollywood celebrities, including Sylvester Stallone and Steven Seagal.

Ivankov's influence in Hollywood extended beyond extorting money. He also used his connections to promote Russian propaganda and recruit new members for his criminal organization. In one instance, he arranged for a Russian film crew to produce a movie glorifying the Russian mob's role in the Soviet-Afghan War. The film was never released, but it demonstrates the extent of Ivankov's reach in Hollywood.

Ivankov was eventually deported from the United States in 2005, but his legacy of corruption continues to haunt Hollywood. Many of his associates remain active in the entertainment industry, and they continue to exert a powerful influence on the business. Jags' book exposes this hidden world of crime and corruption, and it sheds light on the sinister connections that exist between Hollywood and organized crime.

In addition to providing a detailed account of the Russian mob's infiltration of Hollywood, Stone Cold Trouble also offers a glimpse into the lives of the people who have been affected by their criminal activities. Jags interviews victims of extortion, witnesses to violent crimes, and law enforcement officers who have dedicated their lives to fighting Russian organized crime. These personal stories bring a human face to the complexities of the issue, and they help to illuminate the devastating consequences of the mob's influence.

Stone Cold Trouble is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of crime and entertainment. Jags' meticulous research and compelling narrative style make this book an essential resource for understanding the dark side of Hollywood.

Stone Cold Trouble (Zaq & Jags)

by Amer Anwar

4.6 out of 5