ABSCAM Caught Congress Selling Influence

In July 1978, the FBI launched ABSCAM as an undercover operation aimed at New York City criminals dealing in stolen art. Agents created a fake Long Island company called Abdul Enterprises, then used the front to reach criminals selling fake securities and politicians willing to sell influence. The investigation eventually moved through southern New Jersey and Washington, D.C., where corrupt officials discussed helping a supposed wealthy Arab sheik for payments of $50,000 up front and $50,000 later. By the end, one senator, six congressmen, and more than a dozen other corrupt officials and criminals had been arrested and found guilty.

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