Ep 3. Paul Manafort

In the third episode of American Greed's 13th season, viewers are taken on a journey through the tumultuous life and career of Paul Manafort, a Republican political consultant and lobbyist who was convicted of multiple charges, including tax and bank fraud, as part of the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 United States presidential election.

The episode begins with a brief overview of Manafort's early life, including his upbringing in New Britain, Connecticut, and his early career in politics, working on campaigns for Republican candidates like Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and George H. W. Bush. The focus then shifts to Manafort's rise to prominence in the 2000s, when he became known as a highly successful political operative and began to work with international clients, including some controversial figures.

The episode includes interviews with several people who knew Manafort during this time, including political journalists, former colleagues, and one of his closest friends, Roger Stone. They offer insights into Manafort's personality, including his love of luxury and his tendency to be secretive and cautious in his dealings with others.

The bulk of the episode focuses on Manafort's work in Ukraine, where he became a key advisor to Viktor Yanukovych, the country's pro-Russian prime minister. Through a mix of lobbying, public relations, and other tactics, Manafort helped Yanukovych win the presidency in 2010 and establish a more pro-Russian direction for the country. In the process, he became very wealthy, earning millions of dollars in fees from his work on behalf of Yanukovych and other Ukrainian clients.

However, Manafort's success came at a cost. He was widely criticized for his work in Ukraine, with many observers accusing him of helping to prop up a corrupt, authoritarian regime. He was also accused of failing to register as a foreign agent in the United States, as required by law.

The episode delves into the investigation of Manafort by the FBI and other law enforcement agencies, which began in earnest after Yanukovych was ousted from power in 2014. Over the next few years, Manafort became a central figure in the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, as it was revealed that he had worked on behalf of Yanukovych's political party and had close ties to Russian operatives.

The episode follows the twists and turns of the investigation, as controversies surrounding Manafort's financial ties to Ukrainian officials and his work on the Trump campaign gradually came to light. It also examines the personal toll that the investigation took on Manafort, including his deteriorating health and his eventual conviction on multiple counts of financial fraud.

Throughout the episode, American Greed offers a balanced and well-researched look at Manafort's life and career, exploring both his successes and his failures. It features interviews with a range of experts and insiders, who shed light on the various ways in which Manafort's political and financial dealings intersected. For anyone seeking insight into one of the most controversial and influential figures in recent American politics, this episode of American Greed is a must-watch.