Swindled 133. The Fabulist (George Santos)
36 snips
Nov 5, 2025 
George Santos, the former U.S. congressman, shares his rise and fall due to an intricate web of lies and financial crimes. He discusses his early days with a Ponzi scheme, his motivations for running for office, and how he fabricated an impressive backstory. Santos reflects on the shocking New York Times investigation that exposed his misdeeds, leading to a guilty plea for wire fraud and identity theft. As he faces the repercussions of his actions, he highlights his emotional journey and the controversies surrounding his eventual commutation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Digital Marketing Arbitrage Was A Ponzi Mask
- J.P. Maroney rebranded himself as a guru selling guaranteed returns via "digital marketing arbitrage."
- His pitch masked that the business depended on new investor money, a classic Ponzi structure.
Harbor City’s Investor Money Vanished
- Harbor City raised over $17 million but spent almost none on promised ad campaigns.
- The SEC found millions misappropriated and investor protections that never existed.
Santos’ Ties To Harbor City
- George Santos worked as regional director for Harbor City Capital while launching political ambitions.
- He later became its most infamous employee after Harbor City's collapse.