American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals Season 12 Episode 17 Something's Fishy: The Codfather

In the season 12, episode 17 of American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals, viewers are introduced to the story of something fishy- The Codfather. The episode revolves around a notorious fishing magnate, Carlos Rafael, who becomes the target of a federal investigation due to his corrupt practices.

Carlos Rafael, known as The Codfather, is a fishing mogul who owns one of the largest commercial fishing fleets in the nation. Based out of the iconic New Bedford, Massachusetts, Rafael has built a vast empire in the fishing industry. His company, Carlos Seafood, employs hundreds of workers and is worth millions of dollars.

However, beneath the surface of his glittering fisheries stands a web of corruption, fraud, and deception. Rafael has been involved in various illegal activities for years, including falsifying catch records, hiding profits, and evading taxes.

The episode takes viewers through the timeline of Rafael's rise to power and the various criminal activities that went unnoticed for years. As the renowned 'Codfather,' Rafael was notorious for his blatant disregard for industry regulations and his willingness to bend the rules to gain more profits.

However, his illegal activities do not go unnoticed for long, as federal authorities work tirelessly to build a case against him. The investigation into Rafael's practices was one of the largest in the history of the fishing industry. The FBI, IRS, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) come together to unravel the web that Rafael had spun around himself.

The episode provides an in-depth insight into the corruption that plagued the commercial fishing industry, which is worth billions of dollars annually. The Codfather's story is not just one of an individual's greed but also of a corrupt system that allows such practices to persist.

Viewers get to witness the unfolding of the trial and the eventual downfall of Rafael, who was sentenced to 46 months in prison. The episode also highlights the impact of Rafael's actions on the local fishing community, many of whom were affected by his fraudulent practices.

Overall, the episode sheds light on the harsh reality of greed and corruption in one of the nation's most significant industries and reminds viewers of the importance of ethical practices and accountability in all business dealings.