Ep 8. The Real Wolf of Wall Street

The Real Wolf of Wall Street is the eighth episode of the ninth season of the popular television series, American Greed. It is a startling exposé of the high-flying career of Jordan Belfort, the infamous former stockbroker who inspired the blockbuster movie, The Wolf of Wall Street.

The episode delves into the wild and outrageous life and times of Belfort, who made millions of dollars through a series of highly illegal and unethical schemes. Through a combination of charm, bravado and sheer cunning, Belfort rose to the top of his profession, becoming one of the richest and most powerful men on Wall Street.

As the episode reveals, Belfort's career as a stockbroker began in the late 1980s, when he founded his own firm, Stratton Oakmont. Using a range of fraudulent practices, including pump and dump schemes, insider trading, and penny stock scams, Belfort manipulated the stock market to generate huge profits for himself and his associates.

Despite repeated warnings from the SEC, FBI and other law enforcement agencies, Belfort continued to operate with impunity, evading detection through an elaborate network of offshore accounts and false identities. He lived a lavish lifestyle, spending millions of dollars on drugs, cars, yachts, and houses, and attracting a following of loyal employees and admirers who idolized his wealth and swagger.

The episode features interviews with a range of experts, including former colleagues, lawyers, journalists, and regulators, who paint a vivid picture of Belfort's rise and fall. It also includes footage from actual court cases and news reports, showcasing the dramatic highs and lows of Belfort's career.

Despite his initial success, Belfort's empire eventually came crashing down in the mid-1990s, when he was finally caught and prosecuted for his crimes. However, the episode suggests that Belfort's legacy lives on, not just in the Hollywood movie that was made about him, but in the enduring myth of the Wall Street rogue, who is willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead.

Overall, The Real Wolf of Wall Street is a compelling and cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and power. It offers a rare glimpse into the dark heart of the stock market, and the seductive allure of wealth and success.