He promised 36% returns. He invented his own currency called "Heaven Yen." He told investors God had chosen him to eliminate poverty. Then 37,000 people lost everything.
In this episode, I uncover the story of Kazutsugi Nami — Japan's biggest liar and the mastermind behind the largest investment fraud in the country's modern history. Between 2001 and 2009, his company Ladies & Gentlemen defrauded victims of up to 226 billion yen (approximately $1.4 billion) [citation:1]. Nami created "Enten" — a virtual currency he claimed would replace real money after a global financial crisis. Investors paid at least ¥100,000 to join, and in return, Nami promised annual returns of 36% [citation:1]. He built a cult-like following, with elderly victims handing over life savings accumulated over forty years. When police finally arrested him at 5:30 AM while he drank beer in a restaurant, Nami declared his innocence and asked: "Can they charge a company this big with fraud?" [citation:1]. He received 18 years in prison [citation:1]. Turn down the lights, put on your headphones, and press play — because the man who promised heaven delivered only ruin.