Gregor MacGregor didn't just forge a check; he forged a civilization. He created a fake history, a fake army, and a fake capital city called "St. Joseph," then sold it to 250 innocent settlers. They sailed to paradise and found a malaria-infested swamp. This is the story of the "PoyaisScheme," the deadliest confidence trick in history, and how one man convinced the world to buy a hallucination.

Gregor MacGregor didn't just forge a check; he forged a civilization. He created a fake history, a fake army, and a fake capital city called "St. Joseph," then sold it to 250 innocent settlers. They sailed to paradise and found a malaria-infested swamp. This is the story of the "PoyaisScheme," the deadliest confidence trick in history, and how one man convinced the world to buy a hallucination.

Gregor MacGregor didn't just forge a check; he forged a civilization. He created a fake history, a fake army, and a fake capital city called "St. Joseph," then sold it to 250 innocent settlers. They sailed to paradise and found a malaria-infested swamp. This is the story of the "PoyaisScheme," the deadliest confidence trick in history, and how one man convinced the world to buy a hallucination.&nbsp;

The Man Who Sold a Country That Didn't Exist

Every transaction leaves a trace. On Takedown, we investigate the financial crimes that shape our world—and ruin lives. We bring you deep-dive documentaries and breaking investigative news on fraud, money laundering, and corporate greed. If you want to understand how the dark side of global finance really operates, you’re in the right place.

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The Man Who Sold a Country That Didn't Exist

The Man Who Sold a Country That Didn't Exist