20 episodes

John Ruffo engineered one of the most outlandish frauds in American history -- a $350 million swindle. But even after his arrest, no one really knew Ruffo. When the unassuming Brooklyn computer salesman pleaded guilty in 1998 and received a 17-year prison sentence, his story was just beginning. He turned in his ankle monitor, made a final stop at an ATM, drove to JFK Airport and vanished. In Season 2, the ABC News investigative unit joins the U.S. Marshals cold-case fugitive manhunt for Ruffo as they span the globe and uncover surprising details about his cloak-and-dagger past. The final clue may come from listeners who will once again be asked, Have You Seen This Man?

Have You Seen This Man‪?‬ ABC News

    • True Crime
    • 4.4 • 2.5K Ratings

John Ruffo engineered one of the most outlandish frauds in American history -- a $350 million swindle. But even after his arrest, no one really knew Ruffo. When the unassuming Brooklyn computer salesman pleaded guilty in 1998 and received a 17-year prison sentence, his story was just beginning. He turned in his ankle monitor, made a final stop at an ATM, drove to JFK Airport and vanished. In Season 2, the ABC News investigative unit joins the U.S. Marshals cold-case fugitive manhunt for Ruffo as they span the globe and uncover surprising details about his cloak-and-dagger past. The final clue may come from listeners who will once again be asked, Have You Seen This Man?

    Introducing "Truth and Lies: The Boston Strangler"

    Introducing "Truth and Lies: The Boston Strangler"

    Sixty years later, the story of the Boston Strangler still has a hold on the public imagination. The new ABC Audio podcast, "Truth and Lies: The Boston Strangler," retraces the tragic fate of the victims and explores why a killer’s confession never closed this decades-old case. "Truth and Lies: The Boston Strangler" -- a new three-part series, available on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/3wgRdzb), Spotify (https://spoti.fi/3XFQm6X), Amazon Music (https://amzn.to/3ksWvFj), or wherever you're listening now.
    And check out “Boston Strangler,” starring Keira Knightley, streaming now on Hulu.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 1 min
    Hold On, Marshal Kevin

    Hold On, Marshal Kevin

    John Ruffo, a small-time computer salesman from New York City with a surprising gift for deception, committed a staggering $353 million bank fraud. After Ruffo was handed a 17-year sentence, the U.S. Marshals had him in handcuffs, ready to haul him off to prison. What happened next would leave a trail of shattered lives and spark one of the longest, most intensive manhunts in U.S. history. 

    To see photos of John Ruffo, including an age progression image provided by the U.S. Marshals, visit https://abcn.ws/37tRIK2.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 39 min
    Project Star

    Project Star

    The crime was audacious –- the biggest swindle of its time –- falsely trading on the name and clout of American’s tobacco giant, Phillip Morris. Getting access to millions, John Ruffo transformed himself into a Wall Street high roller. He spun fantastical tales of secret government missions. And when it all started to unravel, he ripped a page from a John Grisham thriller, leaving U.S. Marshal criminal profilers to make sense of a cryptic farewell note.
    To see photos of John Ruffo, including an age progression image provided by the U.S. Marshals, visit https://abcn.ws/37tRIK2.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 42 min
    The Dream

    The Dream

    Linda Lausten spent 19 years married to a man she never really knew. His escape sent her reeling -- as if widowed by a husband who wasn’t dead. She starts to uncover clues about who John Ruffo really was. As the U.S. Marshals continue their search, go along as a tantalizing lead takes them inside Dodger Stadium. 
    To see photos of John Ruffo, including an age progression image provided by the U.S. Marshals, visit https://abcn.ws/37tRIK2.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 46 min
    The Long Con

    The Long Con

    Investigators thought they knew John Ruffo when they exposed his crime. But in tape-recorded prison calls, Ruffo’s accomplice tells the FBI they don't know the half of it. One of Ruffo’s lawyers reveals the reason he needed a top secret clearance to mount Ruffo’s defense. And as Ruffo’s past takes shape, U.S. Marshals enter a maze of fake identities and front companies, trying to follow the money. 
    To see photos of John Ruffo, including an age progression image provided by the U.S. Marshals, visit https://abcn.ws/37tRIK2.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 50 min
    In from the Cold

    In from the Cold

    In secret diaries he left behind, John Ruffo spins an exotic Cold War tale. But is it all part of another Ruffo con? Did one FBI veteran carry crucial information to the grave? We go in search of retired agents and an infamous convicted FBI turncoat to see if any of them hold answers to the mystery of Ruffo’s escape.
    To see photos of John Ruffo, including an age progression image provided by the U.S. Marshals, visit https://abcn.ws/37tRIK2.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 47 min

Customer Reviews

4.4 out of 5
2.5K Ratings

2.5K Ratings

huenew ,

In Russia or Soviet State . . ?

Interesting podcast. Great Hosts. Ms. Hostin’s voice is very pleasant.
I’m sure most people had never heard of him in media. Why is that?
Hire Edward Snowden or another well-known hacker to find him? Computers may be key. Make Snowden a deal. 😕 Banks were scammed and all it took was bad acting. One brief word on the Banks: FinCen Leak.

bitcoin Bono ,

He is going back to the office now and will

I’m going back in a few weeks to see what I have on the calendar for next year but I’m sure you will have a lot

amabd a ,

Good story bad host

Sunny ruins this.

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