Ep 168. Operation Odessa
In Showtime Specials season 1 episode 168, viewers are taken on a wild ride as they dive into the shocking true story of Operation Odessa. The episode tracks the outrageous illegal dealings of a trio of rogues, including two Russians and a Cuban-American, as they attempt to broker a multimillion-dollar deal involving a Soviet submarine. This underground operation unravels as the three men become embroiled in a web of shady characters, including drug lords, arms dealers, and Colombian cartel members.
Through interviews with key players and archival footage, this episode traces the unlikely origins of Operation Odessa, which began with a simple phone call. A Colombian drug lord enlists the help of Tarzan, a Russian criminal, to procure a Soviet submarine for his expanding drug empire. From there, the plan escalates, with Tarzan bringing on two other partners: Juan Almeida, a Cuban-American with connections to the Cali Cartel, and Nelson Yester-Garrido, a Russian mobster with significant business ties to Ukraine.
As the trio embarks on their quest to obtain the submarine, they encounter a host of shady characters along the way, including a Colombian drug lord with ties to the Cali cartel and an American arms dealer. They travel across the globe, from Moscow to Miami to Cartagena, to broker the deal, all while trying to stay below the radar of law enforcement. However, their luck runs out when the FBI gets wind of their operation and sets up a sting to catch the three men in the act.
The episode expertly weaves together the various players and plot points involved in Operation Odessa, providing a detailed and intriguing look into a little-known criminal enterprise. Viewers will be on the edge of their seats as they witness the daring and dangerous tactics employed by the three men to secure a Soviet submarine and the subsequent fallout from their actions. The episode raises important questions about the nature of crime, greed, and the lengths some will go to get what they want.
Throughout the episode, viewers will also get a glimpse into the personal lives of some of the key players, including Tarzan and Almeida. These interludes provide a humanizing element to the story, showing that even hardened criminals can have familial ties and personal struggles. The interviews with those involved in the operation also provide insight into their motivations and thought processes, shedding light on the complex network of crime and corruption that fueled this illicit deal.
In all, Showtime Specials season 1 episode 168, Operation Odessa, is a gripping and eye-opening look into a little-known criminal enterprise that took place during a tumultuous period in history. Viewers will be captivated by the larger-than-life figures and the tense and dramatic events that transpired, all presented in a compelling and informative way. Whether you're a true crime enthusiast or just a casual viewer, this episode is sure to keep you engaged from beginning to end.