In 2016, the film ‘War Dogs’ was released, telling the absurd true story of two young men who became international arms dealers. At the story’s center is David Packouz, a former massage therapist and stoner who teamed up with his high school friend Efraim Diveroli to form AEY Inc., a small-time arms dealing company. This article explores about War Dogs real people.
What started as a way to make some quick money soon turned into a multi-million dollar operation that landed Packouz and Diveroli in hot water with the US government.
The story of David Packouz and AEY Inc. shines a light on the dark side of the arms trade and the consequences of illegal arms dealing. Let’s explore the fascinating and disturbing journey of David Packouz from stoner to arms dealer, the ethical dilemmas he faced, and the legal ramifications of his actions.
From Stoner To Arms Dealer
David Packouz was born on February 16, 1982, in St. Louis, Missouri. His family later moved to Miami, Florida, where he attended high school. After graduation, Packouz studied at the University of Florida but dropped out before completing his degree.
In 2005, Packouz reconnected with an old high school friend, Efraim Diveroli, who had started small-time arms dealing business. Diveroli convinced Packouz to join him in the venture and formed AEY Inc.
Despite their lack of experience, AEY Inc. won several government contracts, including a $300 million contract to supply ammunition to the Afghan National Army. Packouz and Diveroli’s success in the arms trade quickly led to a lavish lifestyle of parties, drugs, and luxury cars.
As the company grew, Packouz became more involved in the business’s day-to-day operations. However, he soon realized that AEY Inc.’s business practices were only partially legal. This realization made him question his involvement in the arms trade and grapple with some serious ethical dilemmas.
The Dark Side Of The Arms Trade
AEY Inc. was known for cutting corners and engaging in shady business practices. They often bought old, unusable ammunition from Chinese factories and repackaged it to sell to the US government as new ammunition. They also falsified documents to make it appear that the ammunition had been properly tested and inspected.
As Packouz became more involved in the business, he realized the arms trade’s unethical nature. However, he felt trapped in the business and couldn’t see a way out. He struggled with the knowledge that the weapons he was selling could potentially be used to harm innocent people.
In 2007, AEY Inc. was caught shipping illegal ammunition to Afghanistan. The company was investigated, and Packouz and Diveroli were eventually arrested and charged with fraud and conspiracy to violate the Arms Export Control Act. The scandal tarnished the reputation of the US government and raised questions about the oversight of government contracts.
Investigation And Arrest Of Packouz And Diveroli
After the illegal ammunition shipment was discovered, AEY Inc. was investigated by the US Department of Defense and the FBI. Packouz and Diveroli were charged with fraud and conspiracy to violate the Arms Export Control Act.
Packouz cooperated with authorities and agreed to testify against Diveroli in exchange for a reduced sentence. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud and was sentenced to seven months of house arrest and three years of probation.
Sentencing And Aftermath
Diveroli was found guilty of multiple charges and sentenced to four years. The scandal changed how the US government awards contracts for military supplies and increased scrutiny of private arms dealers.
Packouz went on to write a memoir about his experiences called ‘Once A Gun Runner…’ and has since become a successful entrepreneur in the tech industry.
The Final Words
David Packouz’s journey from stoner to arms dealer is a fascinating and disturbing story that highlights the dark side of the arms trade. The rise of AEY Inc. and its shady business practices, along with Packouz’s moral dilemma, shed light on the dangerous and unethical nature of the arms dealing industry.
The consequences of illegal arms dealing, including tarnishing the US government’s reputation and potential harm to innocent lives, are significant and far-reaching.
The scandal’s aftermath and legal ramifications, including Packouz’s cooperation with authorities and the changes in government oversight of military supply contracts, show the impact this story has had on the arms trade industry as a whole.
The story of David Packouz and AEY Inc. is a cautionary tale that serves as a reminder of the dangers of greed and the importance of ethical decision-making.
In the end, Packouz’s journey is an example of the absurdity of life and the unexpected turns it can take. While he may have started as a stoner, he ultimately found himself caught up in a world of high-stakes arms dealing and the moral and legal dilemmas that come with it.
