American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals Season 11 Episode 2 The Real "War Dogs"

In season 11 episode 2 of American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals, titled "The Real 'War Dogs,'" the show examines the story of two Miami-based arms dealers who secured a $300 million contract with the U.S. government to supply ammunition to the Afghan military during the height of the war in Afghanistan. David Packouz and Efraim Diveroli, both in their early 20s at the time, started a company called AEY Inc. that specialized in buying weapons and munitions from around the world and supplying them to the U.S. military.

The episode delves into how Packouz and Diveroli were able to secure such a massive contract despite their lack of experience and resources, and how they were eventually caught and prosecuted for fraud. Through interviews with former AEY employees, government officials, and law enforcement agents, American Greed examines the intricate web of lies and deceit that allowed Packouz and Diveroli to make millions while putting American soldiers' lives at risk.

The episode explores the duo's initial success and how they were able to convince the government to award them the contract, despite other more experienced competitors bidding for the same contract. AEY largely relied on shady international suppliers to acquire their ammunition, which led to the discovery of faulty and expired ammunition shipped to Afghanistan on behalf of AEY, and resulted in several soldiers getting injured or killed on the front line.

The episode also investigates the lengths Packouz and Diveroli went to in order to inflate the value and volume of their ammunition orders, and how they falsified government documents to make it appear as though they were meeting the terms of their contract. It is a fascinating and in-depth look into the world of international arms dealing and the consequences of unchecked greed.

In addition to the dramatic and captivating story of AEY, "The Real 'War Dogs'" features interviews with experts in the field of arms dealing and government contracting, who offer insight into how such fraud and deception can occur even within ostensibly "legitimate" companies. The episode also highlights the hard work of law enforcement officials who worked tirelessly to investigate and prosecute Packouz and Diveroli, ultimately bringing them to justice.

Overall, "The Real 'War Dogs'" is a thrilling and thought-provoking episode of American Greed that sheds light on a little-known and extremely lucrative industry, while also serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and greed.