He was fortunate to find in David Radler the perfect foil to help him realise his ambitions.

ECONOMIST: Conrad Black's story

David Radler, once a key advisor to Conrad Black, pleaded guilty to mail fraud and agreed to testify against others in the case.

ECONOMIST: Oil prices rise

In November 2004, two weeks before the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed a civil fraud lawsuit against Black and Radler, Black resigned as chairman of the company.

FORBES: Paint It Black

Aided by Mr Radler, a tight-knit group of business cronies and a shamefully acquiescent audit committee, Lord Black's systematic long-term looting of the companies he controlled became increasingly frenzied.

ECONOMIST: Conrad Black's story

The driven, abstemious Mr Radler enjoyed sweating profits from small, neighbourhood newspapers in their native Canada, while Lord Black cut a dash as a budding media magnate with his eye for a deal, strong conservative views and flashy erudition.

ECONOMIST: Conrad Black's story