The Accountant's Story

Inside the Violent World of the Medellín Cartel

By: Roberto Escobar

Narrated by: Ruben Diaz

Arguably the largest and most successful criminal enterprise in history, at times the Medellin drug cartel was smuggling 15 tons of cocaine a day, worth more than half a billion dollars, into the United States. Roberto Escobar knows - he was the accountant who kept track of all the money.

How much money? According to Roberto, he and his brother's operation spent $1000 a week just purchasing rubber band to wrap the stacks of cash - and since they had more illegal money than they could deposit in the banks, they stored the bricks of cash in their warehouses, annually writing off 10% as "spoilage" when the rats crept in at night and nibbled on the hundred dollar bills.

At the height of this cartel's reach, in order to help them deliver their goods, the Escobars purchased thirteen 727 airliners from Eastern Airlines when that airline went bankrupt. They also purchased six Russian mini-submarines. Roberto knows - he did the books.

In short, this is Pablo Escobar's story in the words of one of his closest confidants, his brother Roberto. It's all here - the brutal violence inside the world of the drug cartel, dealing with American drug forces and the CIA, the problems the Escobars faced when going up against the Colombian mafia, even Pablo's moments of kindness and compassion towards less fortunate countrymen in Colombia. As Roberto points out, although many people view Escobar as a monster, thousands still visit his grave every year to mourn him, and revere him as a savior.

Now in his 60s, Roberto, who has served 10 years in Colombian jail for his part in the Medellin cartel, now wants to set the record straight, once and for all.

©2009 Roberto Escobar (P)2009 Hachette

Phenomenal story

I had read a few books on Pablo before and watched a few documentaries so I knew the public story. was nice to get the view from inside the camp, even if it is a slightly biased version of events. Can't be many people alive with a more interesting story to tell.

Good…ish

I was really excited about this book, and I did like the majority of it. But, I do feel like Escobar was fishing for sympathy for his brother and he, almost like they were unfairly persecuted. But, I did learn a lot from it and it held my attention.

Exciting book !

This was the most detailed information on Pablo Escobar I have ever found ! Soo many personal stories about life behind of scenes of Medellin cartel !

Truly a devil in disguise.

He ruled his country until too many people died and they turned on him. He gained respect by giving to the poorest of the poor.

Accountant Not Held Accountable?

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Roberto taking ownership of his past indiscretions

What was most disappointing about Roberto Escobar’s story?

The most disappointing about the author is that to this day he still has a twisted account of of the truth. To him (and his entourage) he justified his motives by putting a political reason behind his story.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

The narrator did a good job. He is not at fault over the Medellin Cartels horrific lifestyles

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

I would go see it with conditions. That all proceeds NOT go to Roberto but rather to the country and law abiding citizens of Colombia

Any additional comments?

Rather than Roberto focusing on Cancer and AIDS research (which I find hard to believe) he should have directed his efforts toward not condoning kidnapping, extortion and murder. Shame on him for not owning up to his treacherous history. No excuses Roberto. You were THEN, and are NOW, old enough to know right from wrong.

Wow!

Roberto Escobar was the accountant to the infamous Pablo Escobar and the Medellin drug carlet. This is his story of the unbelievable amounts of money handled by the drug organization - where it came from, how the organization worked, and the physical accounting for the funds.

This is a page turner, well written and well read true crime history. The book will open the eyes of most people concerning the size and power of this cartel.

I would suggest that the reader read Roberto Sariano's "Gomorrah" before or after this book to understand other international criminal activity as well.

A worthwhile listen

A fascinating perspective on the drug cartel from the inside. As told by Pablo's brother, I found myself having empathy toward him.

What a surprise!

This book was recommended to me by a co-worker because I travel lots. I am always on the search for a good book that fascinates me and keeps me intrigued. This book is a real page turner!!! I was a bit apprehensive about it at first and so I passed on it for a couple of months because I use my credits only on stuff that I'm truly interested in and in a moment of scrolling and scrolling I selected this just to give it a try.

From the moment the narrator started reading I was hooked! Much to my surprise the "F" word was used maybe only about 4 times. It is not a "ghetto" crime story but rather a story of life in a third world country and the will of a human spirit to become something in life at any cost. The story is very authentic raw and real. It is extremely well written and keeps you hooked right down to the very last page! Very well done!

A deeper insight

This is a pretty interesting take on the Pablo Escobar story as written by his brother.

You can't be shocked when he defends his brother, but he walks a fairly successful tightrope between the loyal familial bonds and the admittance that the monster was rea..l it gives you more details on some of the specifics that aren't covered in the general coverage of a very dark story.

It also allows you to hear a little bit more into that scary mind of a truly evil man who had the loving family side that posed as complete paradox to the evil stereotype, and you are witness to some otherwise unspoken anecdotes and history of Pablo Escobar.

A worthwhile read which is smoothly narrated.

get the unabridged version

its supposed to be good, but the abridged version seems to skip too much important details.