Crime in Progress: The Secret History of the Trump-Russia Investigation by Glenn Simpson Summary

1. How Fusion GPS traced Trump’s ties to Russian oligarchs through financial records
2. Why the Steele Dossier warned of Kremlin election interference years before 2016
3. The critical role of open-source intelligence in exposing transnational corruption networks
4. How Mueller’s probe overlooked Trump’s money trails to former Soviet states
5. Why Fusion GPS founders shifted from journalism to private forensic investigations
6. The life-threatening risks faced by Russian whistleblowers who aided Steele’s research
7. How Trump’s bankruptcies revealed hidden partnerships with organized crime figures
8. Why authoritarian regimes weaponize Western democratic systems against themselves
9. The ethical tightrope of opposition research in high-stakes political campaigns
10. How post-Soviet kleptocracy exploited Western banks and real estate markets
11. Why Fusion GPS warned about Russian infiltration long before Mueller’s appointment
12. The unintended consequences of leaking sensitive intelligence without context or verification

About the Author of Crime in Progress

Glenn Simpson, co-founder of Fusion GPS and a seasoned investigative journalist, brings decades of experience in political opposition research and financial crime investigation to Crime in Progress: Inside the Steele Dossier and the Fusion GPS Investigation of Donald Trump. A former Wall Street Journal reporter specializing in Russian oligarchs and international corruption, Simpson shifted to private intelligence work in 2009, co-founding the firm behind the controversial Steele dossier that ignited scrutiny of Trump-Russia connections. His career-spanning focus on political accountability and covert influence operations directly informs the book’s explosive account of the 2016 election investigation.

Simpson co-authored Dirty Little Secrets: The Persistence of Corruption in American Politics with political scientist Larry Sabato, establishing his reputation as a bipartisan corruption analyst. His firm’s findings have been cited in congressional hearings and major media outlets, including The New York Times and NPR’s Trump, Inc. podcast, where he detailed Russia’s exploitation of Western financial systems. Crime in Progress became a New York Times bestseller, praised for its unprecedented insider perspective on one of modern America’s most consequential political investigations.

FAQs About Crime in Progress

What is Crime in Progress about?

Crime in Progress by Glenn Simpson and Peter Fritsch chronicles their investigation into Donald Trump’s financial ties, Russian connections, and alleged collusion during the 2016 election. As founders of opposition research firm Fusion GPS, they detail how their work led to the controversial Steele dossier, which outlined Trump’s relationships with Russian oligarchs, money laundering risks, and potential election interference. The book also critiques the Mueller investigation and Republican tactics to shield Trump.

Who should read Crime in Progress?

This book is essential for readers interested in political scandals, investigative journalism, or U.S.-Russia relations. It appeals to those seeking a behind-the-scenes look at opposition research, the Steele dossier’s origins, and Trump’s alleged corrupt dealings. Political analysts, historians, and fans of real-life political thrillers will find its granular details on Fusion GPS’s methods compelling.

Is Crime in Progress worth reading?

Yes, for its unprecedented insider perspective on one of modern politics’ most explosive scandals. The authors blend meticulous research with firsthand accounts of uncovering Trump’s Russian ties, offering clarity on complex events like the Trump Tower meeting and GOP efforts to discredit the investigation. Critics praise its gripping narrative and evidence-heavy approach.

How does Crime in Progress explain the Steele dossier’s creation?

The book reveals how Fusion GPS hired ex-British intelligence officer Christopher Steele to analyze Trump’s Russia links. Steele compiled memos (later the dossier) alleging collusion, financial crimes, and compromising material on Trump. Simpson and Fritsch defend Steele’s credibility, detailing how his findings aligned with their own research into Trump’s lawsuits, bankruptcies, and opaque overseas projects.

What evidence does Crime in Progress present about Trump’s Russian connections?

The authors cite Trump’s reliance on Russian financing for stalled projects, meetings with oligarchs linked to organized crime, and Donald Trump Jr.’s 2016 Trump Tower discussion with Russian operatives. They also highlight Trump’s repeated praise for Vladimir Putin and his associates’ ties to Russian intelligence agencies.

How does the book critique the Mueller investigation?

Simpson and Fritsch argue Mueller’s probe underestimated Trump’s ties to Russian money and failed to pursue key financial records. They criticize Mueller’s reluctance to subpoena Trump directly and his narrow focus on election interference rather than broader corruption. The book also questions James Comey’s handling of the FBI’s initial inquiry.

What role did Republicans play in shielding Trump, according to Crime in Progress?

The authors accuse GOP figures like Devin Nunes of obstructing investigations by spreading conspiracy theories, withholding evidence, and using congressional power to attack Fusion GPS. They detail Nunes’ alleged coordination with the White House and his misuse of campaign funds for luxury travel during the probe.

How does Crime in Progress address Trump’s business practices?

It scrutinizes Trump’s history of dubious ventures, including Trump University’s scams, repeated bankruptcies, and deals with figures tied to Russian organized crime. The book argues these patterns revealed a reliance on sketchy financing and a willingness to bypass legal and ethical norms.

What makes Crime in Progress unique among political exposés?

Unlike third-party accounts, this is written by the investigators themselves, offering granular details on sourcing, dead-end leads, and navigating media leaks. It also exposes Fusion GPS’s struggles against political retaliation and legal battles with Russian oligarchs.

How does the book defend the Steele dossier’s credibility?

Simpson and Fritsch argue that while the dossier contained errors, many claims—like Russian kompromat on Trump—were corroborated by later intelligence. They emphasize Steele’s reputable background and stress that the dossier was a starting point, not conclusive evidence, for further inquiry.

What criticisms has Crime in Progress faced?

Detractors claim it oversimplifies complex intelligence matters and downplays the dossier’s unverified claims. Conservative critics dismiss it as partisan, though the authors note their work was initially funded by a Republican appalled by Trump’s candidacy.

How does Crime in Progress relate to current political dynamics?

The book serves as a cautionary tale about foreign interference, legal loopholes, and the weaponization of disinformation. Its insights into Trump’s transactional governance style remain relevant amid ongoing debates about authoritarianism and electoral integrity.