Ep 22. The Real "war Dogs"
- January 21, 2017
In American Greed season 10 episode 22 titled The Real "War Dogs," the show highlights an infamous case of greed involving two young men who made millions of dollars by supplying weapons to the US military in Afghanistan. The episode explores how these two men exploited a government program to profit from the war while putting the lives of US soldiers at risk.
The episode begins by introducing viewers to David Packouz and Efraim Diveroli, two childhood friends from Miami who turned arms dealers. Packouz and Diveroli partnered with a company called AEY Inc. and landed a government contract to supply ammunition and other equipment to US forces in Afghanistan. With little experience in the arms manufacturing business, the two young men began to source weapons from countries like China and Albania, in violation of US law.
The Real "War Dogs" show how the duo deceived the US military by passing off subpar ammunition as high-quality, which led to numerous malfunctions and ultimately put the lives of American soldiers in danger. The episode also details the duo's lavish lifestyle as they used the money obtained from the illegal arms deals to purchase expensive cars, luxurious houses, and more.
As the operation grew, Diveroli and Packouz's scheme began to unravel. The surrounding controversy resulted in an investigation by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and ultimately, their arrest. The Real "War Dogs" highlights the role of law enforcement in identifying these fraudsters and putting an end to their illegal enterprise.
Throughout the episode, the show offers commentary from legal experts, government officials, and former employees of AEY Inc. who provide insight into the scope of the operation and detail the extensive efforts made by Diveroli and Packouz to hide their crimes. Additionally, the episode features interviews with individuals who worked on the front lines in Afghanistan who discuss the impact of the duo's careless actions on US troops.
Overall, The Real "War Dogs" serves as a cautionary tale of the reality of corrupt individuals taking advantage of government programs and the effect that greed can have on the lives of innocent people. The episode illustrates how the US military expects high-quality equipment from its suppliers and how the actions of individuals like Diveroli and Packouz threaten the safety of America's soldiers. The Real "War Dogs" is a gripping and sobering episode that outlines the importance of integrity and accountability in any industry, especially those that involve national security.