In the early 1990s, KGB agent Vladimir Putin returns to St. Peterburg. He quickly rises to become deputy mayor to Anatoly Sobchak – loyal, efficient, and ambitious. When the city's food supply collapses, Putin presents a program: valuable raw materials will be bartered for food. But no food arrives; instead, the proceeds disappear. When Putin comes under investigation by a congressional investigation committee, everything is at stake for him.

Politicians, investors, and criminals are fighting for power and money in St. Petersburg – by any means necessary. Vladimir Putin has consolidated his position and filled the city hall with confidants, many with KGB backgrounds. Eyewitnesses and critics are certain: Putin also maintains connections to organized crime and is establishing a network of corrupt supporters. But when mayor Anatoly Sobchak loses the mayoral election, Putin's career is also on the verge of collapse.