Ep 5. The Cash King

The Cash King is the fifth episode of the ninth season of American Greed, a true-crime documentary series that examines high-profile cases of corporate and white-collar crime in America. In this episode, the show delves into the story of Andy Wiederhorn, a successful entrepreneur in the fast-food industry who made millions off of the backs of unsuspecting investors.

Wiederhorn rose to fame in the early 2000s as the CEO of a company that owned several fast-food chains, including Fatburger and Kenny Rogers Roasters. He was known as a charismatic and savvy businessman who had a knack for generating profits and expanding his empire. However, as American Greed reveals, Wiederhorn's success was built on a series of fraudulent schemes that preyed on naive investors.

The Cash King chronicles Wiederhorn's rise and fall, from his humble beginnings as a teenager flipping burgers to his meteoric rise to the top of the fast-food industry. Along the way, viewers will see how Wiederhorn used his charm and cunning to deceive investors, bribe public officials, and manipulate the stock market.

One of Wiederhorn's most notorious schemes involved a company called Fog Cutter Capital Group, which he acquired in 2002. Fog Cutter was a publicly-traded company that owned a portfolio of investments in various industries, including real estate and restaurants. Wiederhorn convinced investors to pour millions of dollars into Fog Cutter, promising high returns and a bright future for the company.

However, behind the scenes, Wiederhorn was using Fog Cutter's assets to finance his own lavish lifestyle. He spent millions on private jets, luxury cars, and expensive vacations, all while duping investors into thinking their money was being used to grow the company. American Greed takes viewers inside the web of lies and deceit that Wiederhorn spun to keep his fraudulent schemes afloat.

The Cash King also explores the legal consequences that eventually caught up with Wiederhorn. After years of investigations by the SEC and other regulatory agencies, Wiederhorn was finally indicted on multiple charges of securities fraud. He was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay over $2 million in restitution to his victims.

Through interviews with law enforcement officials, financial experts, and former employees of Wiederhorn's companies, The Cash King paints a comprehensive picture of the greed and hubris that led to Wiederhorn's downfall. The episode serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of staying true to ethical business practices.

Overall, The Cash King is a riveting episode of American Greed that exposes the dark side of the fast-food industry and the dangers of corporate greed. With its compelling storytelling and in-depth reporting, the show offers a sobering reminder of the far-reaching consequences of white-collar crime.