Memoirs of the great adventurer Eugene-François Vidocq. Having tried many professions, Vidocq was imprisoned more than once, escaped and ended up behind bars again, for which he was nicknamed the “king of risk” and the “werewolf.” In 1799, Vidocq escaped from prison once again and lived in Paris for 10 years. Blackmailed by his former neighbors in a prison cell, he took a decisive step: he went to the police prefecture of Paris and offered his services. Vidocq formed a special brigade of former criminals according to the principle: “Only a criminal can overcome crime.” Largely for this reason, there were bad rumors about his office, which did not prevent him from enjoying the favor of his superiors. The brigade was named "Surte". Eugene François Vidocq remained at the head of the "Surte" for over 20 years. After finally leaving the police in 1833, he organized his own investigation bureau. Vidocq is considered one of the first professional detectives. The text is published according to the publication: Notes of Vidocq, Chief of the Paris Secret Police; In 3 volumes. St. Petersburg, 1877