Front Burner The repo man of the seas
Jul 1, 2025
Max Hardberger, a daring repo man known for infiltrating hostile territories to reclaim seized ships, joins Michael Bono, a maritime lawyer specializing in ship repossessions. They dive into the thrill and risks of maritime piracy, which often involves bureaucratic tactics rather than violence. The conversation highlights Hardberger's adventurous methods in dangerous locales, like Greece, while facing legal complexities and mafia threats. Their discussion also unveils the moral dilemmas and high-stakes challenges inherent in reclaiming lost vessels.
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Venezuela Ship Repossession Escape
- Max Hardberger sneaked aboard a seized ship in Venezuela at night to repossess it.
- He bribe guards and barely escaped offshore before reflagging and selling the ship elsewhere.
White-Collar Piracy Explained
- Modern piracy often happens in legal gray zones through bureaucracy and finance, not just violent attacks.
- Ship repossession involves legal and jurisdictional complexities that few repossession experts can navigate.
Ethical Gray Areas of Repossession
- Max Hardberger knowingly circumvents shipping laws in corrupt countries while still following U.S. laws.
- His actions contribute to local corruption but he justifies it as operating where the law has failed his clients.
