The Incredible Story of Victor Lustig

Introduction:

If there's one captivating tale that has somehow escaped the silver screen, it's the legendary exploits of Victor Lustig, a master con artist. Lustig's criminal career was marked by an array of high-profile scams, but his most notorious achievement was selling the iconic Eiffel Tower not once, but twice! This blog post will take you on a thrilling journey into Lustig's ingenious heist and reveal how he became one of history's most infamous con artists.

The Eiffel Tower Caper:

Lustig's inspiration for the audacious Eiffel Tower con came from a newspaper article highlighting the immense cost of maintaining the iconic landmark each year. His cunning mind saw an opportunity in the financial burden faced by the French government. The idea struck him - what if he could sell the Eiffel Tower to a private businessman willing to take on the responsibility for a hefty sum?

To execute his grand scheme, Lustig engaged in meticulous preparation. He acquired a treasure trove of fake government documents and stationary from a skilled forger to bolster his credibility. Extensive research on the Eiffel Tower's costs and concerns raised by Parisians further enhanced his deception.

With the stage set, Lustig hosted an expensive meeting at a luxurious hotel, inviting several wealthy scrap metal dealers. He presented himself as the Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Posts and Telegraphs, using his soft-spoken charm to create an air of legitimacy. One businessman, Andre Poisson, emerged as his primary target.

Lustig painted a convincing narrative, convincing the dealers that the government was desperate to offload the Eiffel Tower due to financial strain and concerns about its aesthetic. Poisson outbid the others, handing over an astonishing seventy thousand francs for the monumental purchase. After pocketing the cash, Lustig swiftly fled to Austria, assuming that the police would be hot on his trail.

Surprisingly, Poisson did not report the crime, most likely too embarrassed to admit being duped. This lack of pursuit encouraged Lustig to return to Paris and repeat the scam. Astoundingly, he succeeded once more in selling the Eiffel Tower! This time, however, he faced a swift escape as one of his targets alerted the authorities.

Other Scams in Lustig's Arsenal:

The Eiffel Tower escapade was just one highlight in Lustig's extensive criminal repertoire. He honed his conning skills through various small schemes, targeting unsuspecting tourists and manipulating banks. One of his masterpieces was the Romanian box job, featuring a steamer trunk rigged with fake gears and levers to counterfeit currency. Lustig's charm and gentlemanly demeanor were his greatest assets, making people trust him implicitly.

Conning Al Capone:

Lustig even dared to swindle the notorious gangster Al Capone. Rather than pulling off an audacious con, Lustig employed subtlety, convincing Capone of a fictional grand-scale heist that required substantial investment. After building a relationship of trust, Lustig pretended that the job fell through and requested money to tide him over. Capone willingly handed over the cash, which Lustig promptly disappeared with.

End of the Line:

Despite his remarkable successes, Lustig's criminal career met a tragic end. Betrayed by a scorned girlfriend, he was arrested and sent to Alcatraz. He managed to escape for a brief period before getting caught again. Ultimately, he pleaded guilty to all charges and succumbed to pneumonia while incarcerated.

Lustig's Rulebook for Successful Cons:

Behind Lustig's extraordinary conning abilities were ten essential rules:

1. Be a patient listener; allow the mark to lead the conversation.

2. Show genuine interest in the mark's opinions and views.

3. Agree with the mark's political and religious views.

4. Hint at sex talk but back away if not reciprocated.

5. Avoid discussing illness unless the mark reveals concerns.

6. Refrain from prying into the mark's personal circumstances.

7. Never boast, but let your importance be quietly obvious.

8. Always maintain a tidy appearance and avoid drunkenness.

Conclusion:

Victor Lustig's life of crime remains an incredible story of audacity, charm, and cunning. From the daring sale of the Eiffel Tower to conning Al Capone, he navigated the criminal world with finesse and elegance. Although his criminal career eventually led to his downfall, Lustig's legend continues to captivate audiences as a testament to the art of the con.

While we may never see Lustig's tale on the silver screen, his exploits serve as a reminder of the brilliance and creativity that can be found in the world of crime, where charm and deceit reign supreme. But let it also serve as a cautionary tale for all, reminding us to stay vigilant and skeptical, for even the most charming demeanor can mask a heart of deception.