DVD: The Infiltrator
Reviewed by: Samantha Keogh
Review made possible by: Times Media Films
Mazur was a US Customs special agent who, during the ’80s, infiltrated Escobar’s organisation by going under cover as a corrupt businessman offering to help do Escobar’s “washing”.
Using the alias Bob Musella, he pretended to have played a pivotal role in laundering money for smaller drug lords, which then allowed him to infiltrate one of the world’s largest cartels.
Gaining the trust of increasingly “bigger fish”, he was able to gain access to the Colombian’s cocaine business as a money launderer, which in turn led to the collapse of the Bank of Credit and Commerce International.
The Infiltrator is a gritty account of the danger and violence inherent in the world of money laundering and the risks taken by undercover agents who are prepared to die to eradicate crime.
At a time when Escobar was responsible for the supply of about 80% of the cocaine being taken into the USA, Mazur and his team of undercover agents were responsible for 100 indictments and an estimated 3 100 pounds (1 400kg) of cocaine being seized.
The Infiltrator in a mix of interesting facts, tense moments and a feeling of victory for the good guys in an area where the criminals so often triumph.
For anyone who enjoys true crime, mafia-type movies, this is an excellent addition to your collection.