Ep 10. The Art of Fraud

In season 2 episode 10 of American Greed, titled "The Art of Fraud," viewers are taken on a thrilling ride as they follow the story of a man named Lawrence Salander. Salander was a highly respected art dealer in New York City who owned a prestigious gallery that had been around for decades. He was known for his impeccable taste in art and his expert eye for spotting valuable masterpieces.

However, as the episode progresses, viewers see that Salander's success was not entirely legitimate. In fact, he had been running a massive Ponzi scheme for years, using his clients' money to buy art for himself rather than investing it as promised. Salander had become so bold in his fraud that he even created fake art pieces and sold them for millions of dollars.

The episode features interviews with some of Salander's victims, who share their stories of how they were lured into investing with him and how they eventually discovered the truth. Many of these victims were wealthy collectors who trusted Salander's expertise and reputation, only to be left with nothing when his scheme collapsed.

Viewers are also given a glimpse into how Salander managed to pull off such a large-scale fraud for so long. He was masterful at creating fake documents and manipulating paperwork to make it seem as though his investments were legitimate. He also had a network of enablers, including lawyers and accountants, who turned a blind eye to his illegal activities.

Despite his cunning, Salander was eventually caught and charged with multiple counts of fraud. The episode details his trial and the impact it had on his victims, many of whom had lost their life savings to him.

Overall, "The Art of Fraud" is a fascinating look at the world of high-stakes art dealing and the lengths some people will go to in order to make a profit. It's a cautionary tale for anyone thinking of investing their money in something they don't fully understand and a reminder that even the most respected professionals can be hiding a dark secret.