Scams, Money & Murder: POLITICAL – George Santos
Host: Nicole Lapin
Release Date: July 3, 2025

Overview

In this gripping episode of Scams, Money & Murder, host Nicole Lapin delves deep into the scandalous rise and fall of George Santos, a New York congressman whose web of lies and financial deceit captivated and ultimately betrayed the American public. From petty scams to high-stakes political manipulation, Santos's story is a chilling reminder of how ambition and greed can undermine democracy.

1. The Fabricated Persona of George Santos
Timestamp: [00:28]

Nicole Lapin opens the discussion by painting a vivid picture of George Santos, describing him as "the man who put the con in Congress." Santos, born George Anthony Devolder Santos on July 22, 1988, in Queens, claimed a background far more glamorous than his reality. He portrayed himself as a Wall Street trader, a graduate of elite institutions like NYU and Baruch College, a star volleyball player, and even fabricated stories about his grandparents escaping the Holocaust.

Notable Quote:
George Santos states, "It's usually small, trivial things. Maybe an omission about their past here and a tiny white line regarding their belief system there. Nothing that should threaten American democracy as a whole."
—George Santos [00:12]

2. Early Scams and Criminal Activity
Timestamp: [04:28]

Santos's journey into deceit began in his late teens. At 19, he stole his employer's checkbook, committing check fraud to fund a lavish lifestyle. After being caught in the United States, he fled back to Brazil with his mother to evade punishment, a move that emboldened his belief in his ability to escape accountability.

He continued his deceptive practices in Queens, working as a telemarketer where he spun false tales about his affluent background. By 24, Santos married Uadla in a sham marriage to secure a green card, pocketing $30,000 in the process. In 2013, he founded the fraudulent dog rescue charity, Friends of Pets United, which scammed donors by diverting funds for personal use, leading to tragic consequences like the death of a veteran's dog, Sapphire.

3. Involvement with Harbor City Investment
Timestamp: [10:00]

In 2020, Santos joined Harbor City Investment, a company later identified by the SEC as a Ponzi scheme orchestrated by J.P. Moroney. Santos thrived in this environment, earning a substantial salary and honing his skills in convincing investors to part with their money. Although he wasn't directly implicated in the SEC's lawsuit, the experience further sharpened his fraudulent tactics.

4. The Political Grift: Running for Congress
Timestamp: [14:07]

Fueled by the success of figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Donald Trump, Santos launched his congressional campaign in 2020 as a Republican in New York's 3rd District. He constructed an impeccable but entirely fabricated backstory, positioning himself as the epitome of the American Dream. His charm and persuasive fundraising abilities masked his ulterior motive: personal enrichment.

Santos exploited campaign donations for personal luxury, including designer clothes, expensive dinners, and even cosmetic procedures like Botox. He also manipulated financial disclosures to appear more affluent, securing national Republican support despite his dubious financial standing.

5. Exposure and Downfall
Timestamp: [25:00]

Despite his elaborate deceit, an independent investigation commissioned by his own campaign unveiled over 100 pages of incriminating evidence. Journalists Grace Ashford and Michael Gold from The New York Times published a damning article revealing Santos's multitude of lies, from his nonexistent educational credentials to his fraudulent financial activities.

The fallout was swift:

• February 28, 2023: The House Ethics Committee launched an investigation.
• May 10, 2023: Santos was indicted on 13 federal crimes, including wire fraud and money laundering.
• December 1, 2023: The House voted to expel him, marking the first time a Republican was expelled from Congress.
• August 2024: Santos pleaded guilty to identity theft, wire fraud, and making false statements.
• April 25, 2025: He was sentenced to 87 months in prison and ordered to repay over $578,000 in restitution.

Notable Quote:
Nicole Lapin reflects, "George didn't realize he was running with the big dogs now. The spotlight on actual congressmen was much brighter than on mere candidates, and he wouldn't be able to keep his dirty secrets hidden for long."
—Nicole Lapin [30:18]

6. The Aftermath and Legacy
Despite his impending imprisonment, Santos attempted to maintain his facade by creating content such as videos on Cameo and starting a podcast titled Pants on Fire with George Santos. This move raises unsettling questions about his perception of success and the true cost of his deceitful climb to power.

Conclusion

Nicole Lapin wraps up the episode by emphasizing the significance of George Santos's case as a cautionary tale about the vulnerabilities in political vetting processes and the destructive power of unchecked ambition. Santos's story underscores the necessity for greater transparency and accountability in politics to safeguard democratic integrity.

Final Thoughts

This episode of Scams, Money & Murder meticulously unpacks the intricate layers of George Santos's fraudulent activities, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of how one man's relentless pursuit of wealth and power can jeopardize the very foundations of democracy. Through detailed storytelling and critical analysis, Nicole Lapin highlights the importance of vigilance and integrity in both finance and politics.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• George Santos: "It's usually small, trivial things... Nothing that should threaten American democracy as a whole."
  [00:12]

• Nicole Lapin: "George didn't realize he was running with the big dogs now... he wouldn't be able to keep his dirty secrets hidden for long."
  [30:18]

Credits

Scams, Money & Murder is a Crime House original podcast hosted by Nicole Lapin. This episode was produced by the Scams, Money & Murder team, including Max Cutler, Ron Shapiro, Alex Benedon, Lori Marinelli, Natalie Persofsky, Sara Camp, Dan Merck, Joanna Powell, and Michael Langsner.

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