Have you heard of Paul Le Roux? He’s one of those stories that seems to come straight out of a crime movie, but it’s completely real.

So, Paul Le Roux was born in 1972 in Zimbabwe and started out as an ordinary programmer. In the early 2000s, he developed an encryption software called E4M, and it worked well — until the U.S. Navy used it. It looked like the guy had a bright future ahead.

But then the story takes a completely different turn. Le Roux got involved with organized crime, and things got heavy. We’re talking about a global scheme for prescription drugs sent through illegal online pharmacies, washing millions of dollars through front accounts, trafficking weapons and explosives (including missile technology), and that’s without even counting the murders he ordered to be arranged.

What’s most frightening? He ordered that witnesses who were going to testify against him be eliminated. That shows the level of desperation and cruelty that Paul Le Roux was willing to reach to stay in control.

In 2012, the situation fell apart. Le Roux was arrested in Liberia and extradited to the United States. He pleaded guilty to practically everything — conspiracy to commit murder, money laundering, arms trafficking. The guy got 25 years in prison and is serving it to this day.

Paul Le Roux’s case became legend among true-crime enthusiasts. There are books, documentaries, and podcasts talking about him. It’s the kind of story that makes you wonder how someone can fall so far, starting as a programmer who created a useful encryption software and ending as an international criminal wanted by multiple countries.