The man who sold an entire country that never existed
In 1820, a Scottish adventurer convinced hundreds of investors and settlers that a new Central American nation was ready for colonization. This video explores the audacious scheme of Gregor MacGregor.
Gregor MacGregor, a Scottish soldier and adventurer, orchestrated one of history's most brazen confidence tricks by inventing the fictional country of Poyais. Claiming the title of 'Cagique,' he lured British and French investors with government bonds and land certificates. The deception was so effective that approximately 250 people actually emigrated to the non-existent territory.
Source: History's Greatest Conman!