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In today’s world, fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated and are able to manipulate the system to their advantage. From Ponzi schemes to insider trading, these criminals have caused immense financial harm to individuals, organizations, and even entire countries. While fraudsters come from all walks of life and industries, they have one thing in common: their deceit and cunning have made them some of the most wanted individuals in the world. In this article, we will be exploring the top 10 fraudsters around the globe and their crimes. These individuals have left a trail of deceit and financial ruin in their wake. Join us as we delve into the world of fraud and discover the names and faces of today’s most notorious criminals.
1. Frank Abagnale, Jr. – Check Forgery and Impersonation Scam
Frank Abagnale, Jr., born April 27, 1948, is a former U.S. fraudster and impostor who was once one of the most notorious check forgers in the country. Despite his criminal past, he later turned his life around and became an FBI consultant. His story of deception and redemption was documented in his autobiography and later adapted into the hit movie “Catch Me If You Can”. Abagnale is well-known for his elaborate impersonations, including that of a PanAm pilot, a doctor, a lawyer, and a teacher, which he used to illegally make over $2.5 million. His remarkable story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of white-collar crime and the power of redemption.
2. Kevin Foster – British Investment Fraudster
Kevin Foster, born in 1958 or 1959, is a well-known British investment fraudster who was convicted of running a Ponzi scheme. He is infamous for defrauding thousands of people out of their hard-earned money through his fake investment scheme. Foster promised high returns to his investors, but in reality, he was using new investor money to pay off earlier investors, creating a vicious cycle that eventually crumbled. In the end, Foster was caught and convicted for his fraudulent activities, serving time in prison for his crimes. His story serves as a warning to others to be cautious when investing their money and to always do their due diligence to avoid becoming a victim of investment fraud.
3. Barry Minkow – ZZZZ Best Scam
Barry Minkow, born March 22, 1967, is a former American businessman and notorious fraudster known for the ZZZZ Best scam. Minkow, who started ZZZZ Best Carpet Cleaning at the age of 16, used the company as a front for a Ponzi scheme and securities fraud. He convinced investors to pour millions of dollars into the company by presenting fake invoices and inflated financial statements. Minkow was eventually arrested and convicted of fraud, money laundering, and racketeering, serving time in federal prison. The ZZZZ Best scam remains one of the largest and most infamous cases of securities fraud in U.S. history.
4. Muhammad Bashar Kiwan – Comoros Passport Sales Scam
Muhammad Bashar Kiwan, aka Bachar Kiwan, born November 1966, is a former businessman and international fraudster sought by authorities in the Comoros Islands and Kuwait. He is well- known for his involvement in the Comoros passport sales scandal, where he was the mastermind behind an economic citizenship program that was launched with his close associate, former Comorian President Abdullah Sambi. Kiwan was found guilty of criminal fraud, money laundering, and embezzlement of Comorian public funds in November 2022 and sentenced to 10 years in jail for his involvement in the scam. The sale of thousands of passports outside of official channels prompted fears among Western and Gulf allies that the passports were being used to evade sanctions.
5. Ong Kean Swan – Multi-Level Pyramid Schemes
Ong Kean Swan, born in 1982, is a notorious international fraudster known for his involvement in running multi-level pyramid schemes in China, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan. Swan’s schemes were highly profitable, and he was able to walk away with an estimated US$35 million from his victims. Despite being chased by authorities in multiple countries, Swan remains at large, having never been apprehended for his fraudulent activities. His pyramid schemes targeted individuals looking for quick and easy financial gains, and the damage he caused to the economies of the countries where he operated was substantial. The story of Ong Kean Swan serves as a cautionary tale for those who are tempted by the promises of easy money.
6. Christophe Rocancourt – Masquerading Scam
Christophe Rocancourt, born in 1967, was a French con artist who gained notoriety for his scams targeting affluent people. He masqueraded as a French nobleman, the heir to the Rockefeller family, and even a family member of a celebrity to deceive his victims and steal their money. His elaborate schemes allowed him to live a luxurious lifestyle, frequently staying in high-end hotels and traveling the world. Despite being caught and serving time in prison, Rocancourt’s charm and charisma continued to draw in new victims. He remains a notorious figure in the world of cons and frauds.
7. Jim Norman – Cross-Border Advance Fee Scam
Jim Norman, born in 1948, is a notorious fraudster known for his involvement in the cross- border advance fee scam. Norman used the ESPAVO Foundation and Thrum Records to defraud millions of dollars and was eventually convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He played a major role in scamming individuals by promising high returns on investments, ultimately walking away with the ill-gotten gains. Norman’s involvement in the scam made headlines and resulted in a conviction that serves as a warning to others who may consider engaging in similar fraudulent activities.
8. Jho Low – The 1MDB Scandal
Jho Low, born 1981, is a former financier who gained notoriety for his involvement in the 1MDB scandal, a massive financial fraud in Malaysia. Low presented himself as a financial expert and was trusted by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak to manage the Malaysian sovereign wealth fund, 1MDB. However, he abused his position and stole billions of US dollars, causing Malaysia to end up in heavy debt and leading to further devaluation of its currency. The scandal has been widely reported and led to international investigations, with Low now facing multiple charges related to his fraudulent activities.
9. Anthony Lasarevitsch – Impersonation and Video Conference Fraud
Anthony Lasarevitsch, born in 1985, is a notorious fraudster who is best known for his impersonation scam. He donned silicone masks to mimic French Foreign Defence Minister Jean- Yves Le Drian and used video conference software to appeal to politicians and business executives for money. His deceitful tactics were successful and he fraudulently obtained €55 million. Lasarevitsch’s impersonation scam caused a major stir in the international community and shed light on the need for increased cybersecurity measures.
10. Ali Dia – The Senegalese Football Fraudster
Ali Dia was a Senegalese semi-professional footballer, who gained notoriety for his elaborate football fraud. He duped the manager of the Premier League team Southampton into signing him by posing as World Player of the Year George Weah in a phone call. In this call, he gave himself a fake reference, fooling the manager into believing he was signing a talented player. This deception was quickly uncovered and Dia was quickly released by the club, but not before he had made a lasting impression on the world of football and beyond. With his cunning and audacity, Dia remains one of the most infamous football fraudsters of all time.
