Matthew Cox | Inside True Crime Podcast Arms Dealer Scams The Russian Mafia, Pablo Escobar, & The D.E.A. | OPERATION ODESSA
Jun 12, 2025
Ludwig "Tarzan" Fainberg, a former club owner and notorious arms dealer, opens up about his wild life in the criminal underworld. He recounts audacious smuggling tactics used in the 90s, including helicopters and submarines, and shares stories of navigating relationships with the Russian mafia and even Pablo Escobar. From fake identities to intense confrontations, his journey is a rollercoaster of danger and resilience, revealing the high stakes and chaotic dynamics of crime during Miami's most infamous era.
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Unexpected Mafia Encounter in Berlin
- Ludwig was hired to extort money from a man he didn’t know was the Russian mafia head in Berlin.
- He was forced to release the man but later had to flee Berlin after mafia retaliation was imminent.
Public Apology and New Identity
- After apologizing publicly, Ludwig was accepted by the mob but had to leave Berlin.
- He then obtained fake papers, assumed the name Ludwig, and found asylum in Germany.
Choosing and Mastering a Profession
- Ludwig initially took fake electrician papers but changed to dental technician for better social status.
- He struggled at first but eventually became highly skilled and owned dental labs in New York.
