The Pirate of Prague

The Party | 1

Nov 13, 2023
Viktor Kožený, a charismatic financial whiz kid from former Czechoslovakia, throws an extravagant Christmas party in Aspen that captivates elite guests. Amidst the luxury, he masks his ulterior motives and hints at risky investments promising massive profits, particularly in Azerbaijan's oil sector. The charm of this enigmatic host draws influential figures into a web of ambition and deception, revealing the dark side of wealth and the consequences of blind ambition.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

The Lavish Aspen Party

  • Victor threw an extravagant party in Aspen in 1997 to impress and attract wealthy investors.
  • About 500 guests attended, enjoying luxury food, drinks, and celebrity performances.
ANECDOTE

Victor's Grand Entrance

  • Victor arrived in Aspen with a suitcase full of cash and bought a $20 million house outright.
  • His extravagant spending was emblematic of his lavish, limitlessness lifestyle.
INSIGHT

Azerbaijan's Oil Lure

  • Victor's big scheme centered on securing control of Azerbaijan's oil company, Socar.
  • Despite numerous red flags, oil's value made the risky investment opportunity hard to resist.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app