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Imagine this: Paris in the roaring twenties. Jazz music drifts through the air, flapper dresses twirl on dance floors, and a charismatic con man named Victor Lustig is about to pull off the unthinkable – selling the Eiffel Tower. Not once, but twice!
“This Victor Lustig…he was the most charming crook you’d ever want to meet. He could charm the birds right out of the trees.” - Rumored account of a Lustig acquaintance
Yes, you read that right. This isn't the plot of a Hollywood movie; it's a true story, and it's wilder than you can imagine.
The Making of a Master Swindler
Born in Austria-Hungary in 1890, Victor Lustig wasn't your average con man. He was intelligent, multilingual, and oozed charm. He honed his skills on transatlantic ocean liners, swindling wealthy travelers with tales of Broadway investments that never existed.
Lustig lived by his own code, his “Ten Commandments of the Con,” which included gems like:
- “Be a patient listener.”
- “Never look bored.”
- “Never boast, just let your importance become obvious.”
These commandments, combined with his audacity, set the stage for his most audacious scheme yet.
The Eiffel Tower Heist: A Con Man's Masterpiece
Post-World War I, Paris faced economic hardship. The Eiffel Tower, once a symbol of progress, was now considered an expensive eyesore by some. Lustig saw an opportunity – a chance to capitalize on uncertainty and turn a national treasure into his personal piggy bank.
Posing as a government official, Lustig gathered a group of scrap metal dealers, whispering tales of a secret plan to dismantle the Eiffel Tower and sell it for scrap. He played on their greed and desire for exclusivity, promising the winning bidder a fortune.
One unsuspecting dealer, Andre Poisson, fell for the ruse. Blinded by the prospect of riches and prestige, he paid Lustig a hefty bribe to secure the deal. Lustig, of course, vanished with the money, leaving Poisson to face the humiliating truth.
The Second Time's (Almost) the Charm
If selling the Eiffel Tower once was audacious, doing it twice was downright outrageous. Yet, Lustig, fueled by his ego and success, couldn't resist an encore.
He set the same trap, using the same story, and found another eager buyer. However, this time, the mark went to the police. Lustig, always one step ahead, escaped to America before he could be caught.
The Downfall of a Mastermind
Lustig's luck eventually ran out. His ego, his need for bigger and riskier cons, led to his downfall. He targeted notorious gangster Al Capone (and lived to tell the tale!), and even tried to swindle a Texas sheriff.
In the end, it was a scorned lover who brought him down. Arrested for counterfeiting, Lustig attempted a daring escape from prison but was recaptured. He died in Alcatraz in 1947, his legend as one of history's greatest con men cemented.
The Legacy of the Eiffel Tower Scam
Victor Lustig's story is a cautionary tale of charm, audacity, and the dangers of blind ambition. It reminds us that even the most outlandish schemes can succeed if you find the right mark.
So, the next time you think you've spotted a deal too good to be true, remember Victor Lustig and his Eiffel Tower escapade. It might just save you a fortune – and a healthy dose of embarrassment.
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