This is a deep dive into the lavish life of money launderer Reza Zarrab, known as the “Turkish Gatsby” for his high living, access to top government officials, and his marriage to Ebru Gündeş, a famous Turkish singer and actress.
It’s also the story of his divemaster.
Before Reza Zarrab’s arrest made him a notorious money launderer, he dreamed of being French ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau.
“He was constantly watching videos about Jacques Cousteau’s research,” the former captain of his superyacht 60 Years said in an interview.
Reza Zarrab’s love for the sea put him in contact with divemaster Adam Wood, who was with the now-convicted money launderer on the day of his arrest in Miami International Airport.
Wood has never been accused of any wrongdoing.
Divemaster Adam Wood appeared dazzled by Reza Zarrab’s lifestyle: He documented his travels, boats, dining, watches and wealth on Facebook and Instagram.
He posted this photo at Istanbul’s Ataturk International Airport on the day of Zarrab’s arrest.
Authorities detained the divemaster at the time of Reza Zarrab’s arrest. He has never been accused of wrongdoing.
SDNY declined comment on his story too.
The divemaster backed out of a previously agreed-upon interview with my colleague, telling him: “I don’t really have time for this.”
He has deleted a CV on his website boasting of having served as “project manager” for Zarrab’s Royal Holding, working “directly for the owner.”
If you're just tuning in now, go back to the first part of the series.
Trump has entered the courtroom and is seated at the defense table with his attorneys.
Trump's attorney Emil Bove begins his arguments in the so-called Sandoval hearing, seeking to prevent prosecutors from invoking other prior bad acts on cross-ex if his client takes the stand.
In Trump's NY criminal case, prosecutors file their so-called "Sandoval" notice—disclosing uncharged prior bad acts they intend to use at trial to impeach his credibility.
The list in the document rattles off the NYAG civil fraud case, the E. Jean Carroll case, and more.
"If the defendant chooses to testify, the People intend to inquire regarding the following"
Read the full list of litigation prosecutors intend to confront Trump with, if given the green light by the judge.
A Sandoval hearing establishes the permissible scope of cross-examination in order for the defendant to make an informed decision about whether to testify.
The notice shows that, for Trump, the list of prior bad acts, is quite long.
We're gearing up for the second day of jury selection in Trump's criminal case in New York. Some nine jurors passed through the initial screening round, though none are empaneled, yet.
I'm reporting live from the courthouse every day. Follow here.
Per pool at 8:34 a.m. ET:
"Motorcade is on the move."
For my written reporting:
I will periodically fire off quick dispatches, and longer analytical pieces, on the trial for @Just_Security.
You can find the former category here. (Bookmark it!)