The Infamous Con Artists Who Deceived Nations

This article delves into the lives of some of history's most infamous con artists, including Charles Sobhraj and Natwarlal. Despite their intelligence, these individuals used their skills for deception, tricking people into believing they could sell iconic landmarks and even leading to their downfall. From elaborate scams to brutal crimes, their stories reveal the darker side of human ingenuity. Read on to uncover the fascinating tales of these notorious figures and their audacious exploits.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 8, 2026, 03:26 IST

Introduction to Notorious Swindlers

Being intelligent alone does not guarantee the betterment of a country or society. It is essential for intelligence to be directed in the right way. When guided correctly, it leads to constructive and positive outcomes. Conversely, misguided intelligence can result in destructive actions. Today, we will discuss individuals who, despite their intelligence, became notorious con artists due to their misguided actions. These swindlers managed to deceive people to the extent of selling them to the presidential palace, amassing millions in the process. They excelled at tricking others into believing their lies. We will explore five such con artists and their notorious deeds, including some from India.

Charles Sobhraj

The film 'Main Aur Charles,' released about two years ago, featured Randeep Hooda in the lead role, who claimed that the famous dialogue from Amitabh Bachchan's film 'Don'—"The police of 11 countries are waiting for the Don"—was inspired by Charles Sobhraj's life. Born in Vietnam, Sobhraj became a legend in the criminal underworld. He faced over 20 murder charges across India, Thailand, Nepal, Turkey, and Iran. Although labeled a serial killer, he was not convicted of any crime until August 2004. Known for his ability to disguise himself and target young women, he earned nicknames like 'The Serpent' and 'The Bikini Killer.' Sobhraj either escaped from prison or bribed officials for better conditions while incarcerated.

Natwarlal

Natwarlal, whose real name was Mithilesh Kumar Srivastava, is considered the biggest con artist in India. He famously tricked people into believing he sold iconic landmarks, including the Red Fort, Parliament House, and even the Taj Mahal, defrauding them of millions. Despite being arrested eight times, he always managed to escape. Numerous films have been made about Natwarlal, who even managed to sell the President's House using forged signatures. In his early career, he worked as a lawyer and also held a position as a land revenue officer.

Thug Behram

Thug Behram was notorious not only for his cons but also for his brutal murders. It is believed that he was responsible for the deaths of over 900 individuals. Born in 1765, he was executed in 1840. He was recognized by his yellow handkerchief. His gang, consisting of around 200 members, would ambush entire caravans to rob them. Behram became a significant headache for British officials, who spent a decade trying to capture him.

George C. Parker

George C. Parker is a world-renowned con artist who deceived people into buying famous American landmarks and then vanished with their money. He made deals for notable sites like Madison Square Garden, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Grant's Tomb, and even the Statue of Liberty. His most infamous scam involved selling the Brooklyn Bridge multiple times.

Victor Lustig

Born in Czechoslovakia in 1890, Victor Lustig was exceptionally cunning and multilingual. He famously sold the Eiffel Tower. In 1925, after reading about its needed repairs, he posed as a government official and contacted six scrap metal dealers. He sold the Eiffel Tower to one of them under the pretense that it would be transported to Austria. Lustig also managed to trick the notorious gangster Al Capone into investing $40,000 in a stock deal.