[Chapter 599: A Shocking Case]
When it comes to who the world's richest person is, there has always been much debate. Some say it's Bill Gates, others point to the Rothschild family. Then there's another version that mentions a guy named Leo Wanta.
[T/N: For those who don't know Leo Wanta has stated that he was appointed as a trustee for a massive sum of money (up to $27 trillion) that he was holding for the U.S. government as part of a secret agreement after the collapse of the Soviet Union. There is a no actual proof of any of his claims though.]
William White knew who this guy was, but he wasn't particularly interested. The reason was simple: being the richest or whatever was all nonsense. It's only the wealth you can enjoy in the sunlight that matters.
"Seriously, how did Soros get so much money?" William couldn't hide his astonishment. Now Filson was telling him that a guy named Leo Wanta was shorting gold, and Soros had just raised a billion dollars to jump on the bandwagon.
"Sir, what you said before, I no longer doubt it. The forces behind Soros are indeed extraordinary."
William felt slightly troubled. He wasn't afraid of Soros; they were not even on the same level. At best, he was just a character like Filson.
What really distressed him was this Leo Wanta. The guy was connected to too many things, and there were too many secrets involved.
Let's just say, the wealth accumulated by the Soviets had essentially been wiped out by this guy.
Do you know how this guy was captured? For tax evasion, fourteen thousand dollars.
Haha, to get caught up in a dispute involving trillions, and he's hiding fourteen grand?
C'mon, that's just ridiculous.
"Filson, keep a close eye on Soros. We'll rally the funds. Shorting gold? Ugh, with all this physical gold I have, this is going to be a big mess. Lock in the current price first."
"Sir, how much leverage is needed if this is a hedge?"
"Ugh, not too much. The movement could be significant. Let's go with ten times leverage. These bastards just can't sit still."
"Okay, what about this Leo Wanta?"
"Don't get involved; you can't handle this person. I'll have someone follow up."
"Got it. I understand." Filson had no intention of digging deeper. Since the boss was keeping quiet, this person must be absolutely extraordinary. If Soros has such a complex background and the boss isn't interested, yet alludes to this unfamiliar character... it couldn't be anything good.
...
William White was indeed feeling the pressure; this guy was connected to the Soviets and involved with the Israelis. What's even scarier is that this guy was thriving under Reagan and Bush Sr.
In just a few short years, the value of his assets was incalculable. The CIA had unleashed this wolf, and he was considered quite a legend.
William White, a time-traveling figure (in his own right), couldn't even compare. In just a few short years, we're talking trillions of dollars. My God, how did he manage that?
A lone wolf maneuvering through countless intelligence agencies. How this person hadn't self-destructed is nothing short of a miracle.
William had zero interest in his wealth; what he needed was wealth he could enjoy in the sunlight. Only such wealth is safe to use.
The U.S. confidentiality often has a time limit. After that, a lot of things become declassified. However, when it comes to Leo Wanta, there may never be a revelation. Unless the U.S. collapses like the Soviets did.
"Tanner, the guy in the photo -- have someone keep an eye on him. Stay at a reasonable distance, and make sure to use our people."
"Got it, master. Is there anything to be cautious about?"
"No, just record everything. If we're exposed, we'll pull back immediately. Avoid any contact with him."
"Understood, master."
William White was focused, wanting to know if anyone was backing this guy. There were rumors claiming Leo Wanta had walked away with twenty trillion from the Soviets. William didn't believe that number, but a few trillion definitely sounded plausible. Furthermore, that money had been funneled through the Federal Reserve.
In a sense, that was his life savings being handed over.
What's bizarre is that the money deposited in Citibank and Bank of America is reported to have never been received, according to both banks and the Federal Reserve.
C'mon, the money was transferred from a Swiss bank -- don't tell me you're that outrageous.
And the money is gone.
People?
Evading taxes for fourteen thousand dollars -- such a heinous crime clearly deserves a twenty-two-year prison sentence, with no possibility of parole.
After 9/11, the Swiss banking system was no longer closed off. You really thought that money belonged to some little nobody?
What a joke, that broke guy didn't need such a grand operation.
How much money Leo Wanta had hidden was something the Federal Reserve had to clarify, and that money needed to be returned. Anyone daring to stand in the way, they were ready to wage war. Forget the joke about needing only 100 billion to fight Saddam; now we're talking trillions; we can fight anyone.
...
With the war over, gold and oil prices dropped. Iron ore, which should have fallen simultaneously, actually rose due to production halts by the three giants.
Faced with this, Wall Street couldn't even complain. Seriously, could you not use some logic? Production stops, and you're raising valuations? If that's the case, why even bother producing it?
These guys had thought superficially. They didn't realize that Rio Tinto and Billiton were also cutting production for valid reasons. Considering the importance of safe production, they were planning for technical upgrades.
Both companies knew that if they consumed BHP's market demand, that reckless kid might set his sights on them. With such low valuations now, that was truly life-threatening.
...
"What? William White is also shorting gold?"
"Yes, sir. He seems quite determined. In just half a day, he's already invested a billion."
Soros frowned, clearly frustrated. To him, William had so much physical gold; there was no reason to drive down gold prices. If it was a hedge, such big moves were unnecessary.
"Sir, how do we operate?"
"What else can we do? Our mission is to break the support level for gold. This time, we're giving him a free pass."
Soros's attitude was, in a way, reflective of the Federal Reserve's position. At least part of it.
The only assets of some value the Soviets had left were gold and oil. When gold prices plummeted, the value of their currency fell as well.
As a result, the current exchange rate simply couldn't hold.
In fact, the black market price of the dollar had already reached ten times the official rate. Supplies were desperately short, prices skyrocketing, and rampant inflation. The final blow, the U.S. pulled the trigger without hesitation.
...
"Master, the situation with the Soviets is deteriorating. Except for potatoes, you have to queue for anything else. Everything is rising in price; some scarce items can only be bought with dollars."
"The Soviets are about to kick the bucket. You should liquidate all assets that can be exchanged for dollars."
"Master, there's almost nothing left. This mess seems impossible to fix now."
"Heh, hold onto some cash. These guys are scavenging everywhere; they must have plenty of valuable goods."
"I understand, master. Those non-perishable things must be extremely cheap."
"Hahaha, their gold isn't worth anything anymore. What else is there to say? I believe everything will end up at rock-bottom prices. Too bad their biggest aircraft carrier isn't built yet; otherwise, I'd have it brought back and converted into a yacht."
Cough cough, master, that's too much. Where do you plan to dock it?
"Heh, just kidding. The Soviets would never sell it to me. The U.S. wouldn't allow me to buy either."
"Master, that thing probably wouldn't be for sale, would it?"
"Hah, as long as I can cash in, trust me, anything can be negotiated."
*****
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