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Zaharoff's Fabricated Origins
- Basil Zaharoff, born Zacharias Basilius Zacharoff, obscured his upbringing with lies, even claiming different nationalities for his parents.
- His early life is shrouded in conflicting stories, including claims of being a prince, growing up poor, and attending prestigious schools.
Questionable Professions
- Zaharoff's alleged early careers included working as a brothel tout, firefighter (arsonist), and money changer.
- He also potentially fled Constantinople after a major fire, possibly due to his involvement.
Marriage and Embezzlement
- Zaharoff married Emily Burrows, possibly for her apartment, after posing as a wealthy Russian prince.
- He was extradited from Belgium to England for embezzlement, his first wife covering his legal fees.