American Greed Season 1 Episode 6 It Takes a Thief

In "It Takes a Thief," the sixth episode of American Greed's first season, viewers are introduced to the story of former Wall Street investment banker, Richard A. Whitney, who turned to art theft to finance his upscale lifestyle after losing everything in the 1987 stock market crash.

Whitney's art heists began in the early 1990s, when he brazenly walked into prestigious art galleries and museums and walked out with valuable paintings and sculptures. He targeted works by famous artists such as Pablo Picasso, Willem de Kooning, and Auguste Rodin, stealing pieces worth millions of dollars.

But Whitney's luxurious lifestyle, which included a Manhattan penthouse, high-end cars, and expensive vacations, all came to a crashing halt in 1998 when he was caught trying to steal a piece from the Whitney Museum of American Art. He was sentenced to four years in prison for that crime, but it was just the beginning of his legal troubles.

As the episode unfolds, viewers learn more about Whitney's criminal history, including his involvement in a fraudulent art investment scheme that had investors pouring millions of dollars into his company, American Artists Group, for non-existent works of art. Whitney used the money to pay off debt and continue his extravagant lifestyle, but the scheme eventually fell apart, and he was indicted on multiple charges of fraud.

Throughout the episode, interviews with Whitney's former associates shed light on his personality and behavior, describing him as charismatic but ultimately reckless. The show also features commentary from legal experts and art historians, adding perspective and context to Whitney's crimes.

Overall, "It Takes a Thief" is both a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and a fascinating look into the world of high-stakes art theft and fraud. With its mix of true crime, finance, and art history, the episode is sure to appeal to a wide range of viewers, whether they're fans of American Greed or simply interested in learning more about this infamous case.