Operation Odessa

Operation Odessa traces the wild true story of Russian mobster Ludwig Fainberg, also known as ‘Tarzan’, who managed to bamboozle multiple authorities and agencies in an attempt to sell a Soviet submarine to a Colombian drug cartel during the 1990s.

Directed by Tiller Russell, Operation Odessa is a thrilling depiction of how three gangsters pursued an audacious score that saw them conning not only the Russian mob, but also drug cartels and the DEA.

As one might expect, this extraordinary story became a major news item when it first emerged, but Operation Odessa offers an in-depth and close-up look at what actually transpired. Demonstrating that truth is often stranger than fiction, Russell’s documentary balances interviews with former DEA agents alongside Fainberg and his associates.

The political tensions of the era are keenly felt, making for a gangster story that carries more weight than might be expected. Ultimately, the documentary mixes drama and humour to capture the wild exploits of Fainberg and his associates.