The crime was audacious –- the biggest swindle of its time –- falsely trading on the name and clout of American’s tobacco giant, Phillip Morris. Getting access to millions, John Ruffo transformed himself into a Wall Street high roller. He spun fantastical tales of secret government missions. And when it all started to unravel, he ripped a page from a John Grisham thriller, leaving U.S. Marshal criminal profilers to make sense of a cryptic farewell note.

To see photos of John Ruffo, including an age progression image provided by the U.S. Marshals, visit https://abcn.ws/37tRIK2.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices