American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals Season 15 Episode 2 Theranos CEO on Trial

American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals is a true crime documentary series that examines outrageous cases of white-collar crime. The show takes viewers behind the scenes of some of the biggest frauds and Ponzi schemes in American history. In the season 15 episode 2, titled "Theranos CEO on Trial," the show examines the rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes, the former CEO of Theranos.

Theranos was a startup that promised to revolutionize the healthcare industry by developing a blood-testing device that could perform hundreds of tests using only a single drop of blood. The device was touted as a game-changer and attracted a lot of attention from investors, media, and even the government.

Elizabeth Holmes, a Stanford dropout, was the face of Theranos and its biggest cheerleader. She was hailed as a visionary entrepreneur and compared to Steve Jobs. She appeared on numerous magazine covers, gave TED talks, and even had a cameo in a Hollywood movie. However, behind the glossy façade, things were not what they seemed.

In 2015, a series of investigative reports by journalist John Carreyrou exposed Theranos as a fraud. The blood-testing device was not able to deliver accurate results, and the company was relying on traditional blood-testing machines for most of its tests. The company's valuation, which had reached $9 billion at one point, quickly plummeted. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) launched an investigation, and criminal charges were brought against Elizabeth Holmes and her former partner, Sunny Balwani.

The episode "Theranos CEO on Trial" focuses on the criminal trial of Elizabeth Holmes, which is set to take place in August 2021. The show features interviews with legal experts, journalists, and people who were involved with Theranos. It explores the allegations against Holmes and Balwani, which include conspiracy to commit wire fraud and securities fraud.

The episode delves into the details of the case, including the evidence against the defendants and the strategies of the defense attorneys. It also examines the impact of the Theranos scandal on the healthcare industry and the Silicon Valley startup culture. The show raises questions about the role of media hype, regulatory oversight, and personal ambition in creating a bubble that ultimately burst.

"Theranos CEO on Trial" is a gripping episode of American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals that offers a fascinating look at one of the most infamous corporate frauds of recent times. It provides a nuanced and in-depth perspective on the case that goes beyond the headlines. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime, business ethics, and the intersection of technology and society.