Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts covered in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book sheds light on the way in which the confidential expertise within the Lyon Group operates. The only people allowed to enter the heavily-protected inner sanctum were accredited journalists and a few carefully selected non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and campaigning groups. The members of the G8 Research Group thus take it upon themselves to collect all the documents that are made available to journalists during summits and ministerial meetings, such as transcripts of communiques and press conferences. An initial interview carried out in 2002 with a French Foreign Ministry official who had worked on issues related to organized crime and corruption marked the beginning of a long quest. An initial interview carried out in 2002 with a French Foreign Ministry official who had worked on issues related to organized crime and corruption marked the beginning of a long quest.