A Ukrainian immigrant in Brooklyn, with a gift for languages and an entrepreneurial ambition, finds his niche in international arms dealing. Despite the moral complexities and the constant dance around the law, his shrewdness and opportunism quickly catapult him into a world of wealth and influence. As he rises to become one of the world's most prolific arms dealers, he must navigate the treacherous waters of dealing with warlords, dictators, and the various governments and intelligence agencies interested in his activities. His ability to procure and sell any weapon—from pistols to the latest military technology—make him indispensable to the most ruthless clients around the globe.

His personal life, however, starts to crumble under the weight of his profession. Relationships within his family, especially with his brother who becomes his partner in crime, become strained. At the same time, he draws the attention of an Interpol agent, who becomes obsessively dedicated to bringing him down. This game of cat-and-mouse forces the arms dealer to confront the human cost of his dealings, the lives destroyed by the weapons he supplies. As he grapples with his conscience, he is increasingly boxed in by the consequences of his choices, with every move being watched by those who seek to either use him for their own ends or put an end to his trade.