Ep 9. Billion Dollar Fraud Goes Viral

In season 12 episode 9 of American Greed, viewers are taken on a journey into the fascinating world of white-collar crime and fraud. The episode is titled Billion Dollar Fraud Goes Viral, and it delves into the story of a man named Paul Le Roux, who pulled off one of the biggest bitcoin frauds in history.

Le Roux was a former programmer turned drug lord who ran a global criminal empire from his computer in his basement. He was a complex character, who used his tech-savvy skills to build an empire that included prescription drug trafficking, arms dealing, money laundering, and even international hit jobs.

But it wasn't until he turned his attention to bitcoin that he really made a name for himself. Le Roux created a cryptocurrency called "Currency 6," which he marketed on the dark web to money launderers and drug traffickers. The currency gave users the benefits of anonymity and no paper trail, making it a popular choice for people looking to avoid detection.

Le Roux used his knowledge of the technology behind bitcoin to manipulate the market in his favor and make millions of dollars in profit. But his scheme eventually came crashing down when a former employee turned on him and exposed his operation to the authorities.

Viewers will be taken on a thrilling ride as they learn about the web of lies and deceit that Le Roux created to pull off his fraud. They will see how he used technology to his advantage and how his illegal activities went undetected for so long.

But as always, American Greed will also explore the impact that Le Roux's fraud had on his victims. Many people lost millions of dollars when they invested in his scam, and the emotional toll of feeling like they had been duped was devastating.

Ultimately, Billion Dollar Fraud Goes Viral is an engrossing episode that shines a light on the darker side of technology and how it can be used to commit financial crimes. It's a cautionary tale for anyone who may be tempted to take shortcuts to achieve financial gain, and a reminder that greed can have serious consequences.