Review: Patrick Radden Keefe’s “London Falling” – A Gripping Saga of Deception and Tragedy
In November 2019, a young man’s tragic fall from a balcony in London raised more questions than answers. That morning, surveillance footage from MI6 captured 19-year-old Zac Brettler hesitating on the fifth-floor balcony of a Thameside apartment complex before he plunged to his death. His body was discovered five hours later in the riverbank mud, shirtless and in tracksuit bottoms.
Details of the Incident
The autopsy revealed multiple injuries, including a broken jaw, leaving some to speculate whether they were from the fall or a prior assault. The Metropolitan Police later identified Brettler’s body. He had spent his last night with Verinder Sharma, a 55-year-old known for his connections within the criminal underworld, specifically as a debt collector and drug trafficker.
Complicated Relationships
- Sharma claimed to have taken Brettler in rent-free.
- Phone records and CCTV revealed the presence of a third man, Akbar Shamji, during that night.
- Shamji denied wrongdoing, claiming Brettler had lied about his wealthy background.
Brettler had created a façade around himself, fabricating a story of being a son of a deceased Russian oligarch. He even adopted the alias “Zac Ismailov” and sported fake Russian tattoos. Despite his comfortable upbringing, his obsession with gangster movies led him to lead an extravagant lifestyle.
The Legacy of Deception
Zac’s parents, Rachelle Gryn Brettler and Matthew Brettler, have their own complex family histories marked by deception. Matthew’s father fled Nazi Germany, and Rachelle’s father was a Holocaust survivor who lived a double life himself.
Involvement of Criminal Figures
Shamji, who had entrepreneurial ambitions, saw Brettler as a target due to the latter’s fabricated wealth. Sharma, also known as “Indian Dave,” was suspected of violent behaviors and had his own plans to exploit Brettler.
- Zac claimed he was worth £6 billion but had only £4 in his account at the time of his fall.
- Sharma died from an apparent drug overdose in 2020, before any charges could be brought against him or Shamji.
Unresolved Questions
To this day, controversy surrounds Brettler’s death. His parents firmly believe that their son did not take his own life but was trying to escape from an angry Sharma. Patrick Radden Keefe’s narrative, “London Falling,” investigates this case through meticulous research and interviews, raising concerns about police oversight in collecting vital evidence.
A Reflection on Wealth and Deceit
Keefe’s book delves into the themes of financial corruption and personal deception in London. The tragedy illustrates the dangers of chasing fabricated wealth and the potential consequences of entanglement with criminal elements.
“London Falling” offers not just a gripping saga but also a harsh critique of the aspirational wealth that can lead individuals to make perilous choices. Published by Picador, this compelling narrative is a must-read for anyone intrigued by true crime and social commentary.
