Ep 24. The Real "War Dogs"

In American Greed season 10 episode 24 titled The Real "War Dogs", the show takes a deep dive into the shadier side of government contracting. Through the use of interviews with former government officials and industry insiders, the episode explores how corruption and greed can turn seemingly innocuous contracts into massive money-making opportunities for the unscrupulous.

The episode centers around two individuals, Efraim Diveroli and David Packouz, who were the subjects of the 2016 film "War Dogs". The movie glamorized their exploits as young men who landed a $300 million contract to supply ammunition to US allies during the Iraq War. However, as American Greed reveals, the truth is far more complex and troubling than the Hollywood version.

Through interviews with former government officials who worked on the contract, the episode outlines how Diveroli and Packouz leveraged connections and bribery to game the government's bidding system. They used false and misleading information about their company's capabilities to win the contract and then subcontracted out much of the work to other companies, resulting in shoddy and at times dangerous ammunition being sent to troops on the front lines.

The episode also explores how Diveroli and Packouz engaged in insider trading related to their company, AEY Inc. They inflated the value of the company's stock and then sold their own shares at a profit before the truth about the company's shady practices came to light.

American Greed examines the broader issues at play in the government contracting world, including the lack of oversight and transparency that allows for corruption to flourish. The show highlights the need for reforms and stricter regulations to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and ethically.

The episode is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked greed in the world of government contracting. It serves as a reminder that even seemingly small contracts can have massive financial implications and that those who choose to exploit government programs for personal gain will face consequences.

Overall, American Greed season 10 episode 24 provides a compelling look at the real-life story behind "War Dogs" and the issues that plague the government contracting industry. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the darker side of business and the pursuit of wealth.