How did Pablo Escobar hide his money?
Pablo Escobar, one of the most infamous drug lords in history, accumulated an amazing fortune through the operations of the Medellín cartel in the 1980s and in the early 1990s. At the top of his power, Escobar would have won up to $ 420 million per week. But with this extraordinary wealth came the challenge of hiding it and storing it. Escobar’s methods to hide his money were as inventive and daring as his criminal empire.
To start, the organization of Escobar had so much money at hand that the traditional bank was not an option. The volume of currency from cocaine sales required creative and often coarse solutions. One of the most common methods consisted in burying species in the fields, in farms and in jungle locations remote throughout Colombia. Escobar hid millions of plastic drums and metal boxes, which were then buried or walls in safe houses.
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His brother, Roberto Escobar, who was accountant of the cartel, revealed that they would often lose up to 10% of their money each year at rats, water damage and decomposition. It is how much money they had – losing millions a year did not matter. Escobar has also hidden money in secret compartments in its many properties, which went from sumptuous residences to humble hiding places. Certain hidden vaults were even protected by traps.
To further protect his wealth, Escobar relied on an elaborate network of members of the family of trust, employees and local peasants who were loyal due to the money or the fear he inspired. He used complex laundering systems, often investing in legitimate companies in Colombia and abroad. These include taxi, real estate, football clubs and even local community projects, some of which have helped to consolidate its image of Robin Hood among the poor.
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Despite his in -depth efforts to protect and hide his fortune, the Escobar Empire began to collapse in the early 1990s. After years of violence, political pressure and military action, the Colombian authorities – with the help of the United States – to close. His sumptuous lifestyle had attracted too much attention and betrayal of his network finally led to his fall.
On December 2, 1993, Escobar was followed in a safe house in Medellín. After an exchange of fire with the Colombian forces, he was shot dead as he was trying to escape on a roof. Some believe that he was shot dead by police, while others – including family members – said he may have followed his life to avoid capture.
Conclusion – Escobar genius
While Pablo Escobar’s actions have brought incalculable suffering, it is undeniable that his ability to generate, move and hide billions in illicit cash was amazing. His business sense, his strategic spirit and his talent to remain hidden from some of the most powerful authorities in the world reflect a complex and cunning character.
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Whether it’s hiding millions in the jungle or investing in legitimate companies, Escobar’s methods were as calculated as they were daring. You don’t have to admire man to respect the extent of what he has accomplished – his capture has escaped for years while directing one of the largest criminal companies that the world has ever seen.