How A Scammer Sold The Eiffel Tower Twice...

Allow me to share with you an incredible story that, surprisingly, hasn't been adapted into a movie yet. Get ready for the tale of the man who famously sold the Eiffel Tower not once, but twice. Victor Lustig, the mastermind behind this audacious scheme, had a long and impressive career as a con artist, but his Eiffel Tower job remains the most captivating. Let's dive into the intriguing details.

The idea didn't simply pop into Lustig's head one day while gazing at the Eiffel Tower. It actually stemmed from a newspaper article highlighting the exorbitant costs associated with maintaining the iconic structure. This planted a seed in Lustig's mind: What if the French government grew tired of the financial burden and decided to sell it to a private businessman who would assume responsibility for its upkeep, gaining fame in the process? This notion, even today, doesn't seem entirely outlandish. After all, the Eiffel Tower still costs the French government a staggering $1.1 million annually.

Motivated by this idea, Lustig embarked on his biggest job ever. He began by procuring fake government stationary and documents from his trusted sources, meticulously crafting an illusion of legitimacy. He delved into extensive research on the costs and concerns surrounding the Eiffel Tower, addressing past criticisms raised by Parisians. To add an air of exclusivity, he arranged an expensive meeting at one of the city's finest hotels, a considerable investment in itself. All he needed now were potential buyers.

Lustig invited several of the wealthiest scrap metal dealers in Paris to this confidential meeting. There, he assumed the role of the soft-spoken Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Posts and Telegraphs. He explained to the attendees that the government could no longer bear the financial burden and wished to part with the Eiffel Tower, citing clashes between its modern aesthetic and the classic Gothic Cathedrals. Amidst the bids from all the dealers, Lustig strategically targeted Andre Poisson, an insecure businessman, as his primary mark. Poisson ultimately outbid the others, presenting Lustig with a shocking sum of seventy thousand francs to purchase the Eiffel Tower.

Once the deal was done, Lustig pocketed the money and promptly fled to Austria, fully expecting the police to be hot on his trail. Interestingly, Andre Poisson never reported the crime, likely too embarrassed to admit falling for the scam. Unbeknownst to Lustig, this fortunate turn of events boosted his confidence, leading him to attempt the same scam again in the same year. However, this time, one of his targets caught on and promptly informed the authorities. Forced to flee the country, Lustig narrowly escaped capture.

The Eiffel Tower con was just one of many schemes Lustig orchestrated during his prolific career. He developed numerous small cons, often involving quick scams targeting unsuspecting tourists or exploiting banks using counterfeit bank bonds. One of his notable creations was the Romanian Box, a steamer trunk rigged with fake gears and levers. It was purported to copy any currency bill entered into it flawlessly. Lustig would then authenticate the counterfeit bills at a bank, fully convincing his victims. The brilliance of this scheme lay in his refusal to sell the box to anyone; they had to offer an exorbitant amount of money to pry it from his hands. He even managed to convince a Texas sheriff to purchase the box, leading to a high-stakes chase across the country. While Lustig successfully convinced the sheriff that he had been using the box incorrectly, the counterfeit bills he used as evidence ultimately sealed his fate.

Lustig's ability to earn trust and his gentlemanly demeanor played a significant role in his success as a con artist. He would patiently listen, always showing genuine interest in his mark's conversations, aligning his political and religious views accordingly. He knew how to hint at seductive topics without crossing boundaries, remaining a patient and nonjudgmental friend. His clean appearance, clear-headedness, and confidence exuded an air of importance without the need for overt boasting. And above all, he never allowed himself to become untidy or drunk, adhering to his gentlemanly image.

However, like many criminals, Lustig's luck eventually ran out. Betrayed by his girlfriend, who discovered his infidelity while he was running a counterfeit scheme, he was apprehended by authorities. After a daring escape from custody right before his trial, Lustig was recaptured and subsequently pleaded guilty to all charges. He was eventually sent to Alcatraz, where he succumbed to pneumonia.

Although Lustig's life of crime came to a dramatic end, his exploits and the incredible tale of selling the Eiffel Tower continue to captivate. Perhaps one day, his remarkable story will be brought to the silver screen, offering audiences a glimpse into the audacious world of one of history's most infamous con artists. On a side note, if anyone is interested, I'm jokingly selling the Statue of Liberty on eBay. But for obvious reasons, let's keep it on the down-low.