The Tyrant Billionaire

When Judson returned from Japan, he gave up the shoe business and opened a trading company, focusing on exporting grain.

He took out loans worth hundreds of thousands of dollars and shipped a boatload of grain and various foods to Japan. Once the goods arrived, some were sold to the military, while others entered the black market through under-the-table deals.

From that first shipment alone,

Judson made over $300,000.

And it was pure profit.

Judson was ecstatic. It was incredibly profitable. From then on, he started his frenzied money making trading business.

Every month, he shipped at least two boatloads of goods—thousands of tons of grain and food. Two-thirds went through official channels, and the remaining third was sold to black market merchants.

Because part of his business involved smuggling, the accounts and amounts never matched. Some funds went through official channels, while others couldn't and had to be stashed elsewhere.

Moreover, his cousin MacArthur was involved. The only reason he could conduct this business was due to MacArthur's protection. In truth, he was merely MacArthur's agent. Of the profits he made, 60% belonged to MacArthur.

To store the money,

Judson came up with many methods.

MacArthur told him that this money should never be kept in Japan.

Eventually, Judson set his sights on Hong Kong, where he opened several accounts with HSBC. Every month, he deposited a portion of the profits.

There were two accounts.

One was opened in Judson's name.

The other was in the name of MacArthur's second wife, Jean.

Judson felt that storing the money in distant Hong Kong was safe. He had even reported it to MacArthur, who thought that HSBC, a British owned bank, was a secure place for the money.

They didn't believe anyone would trace it to Hong Kong.

Originally, Judson's business could have grown even larger, but he was cautious. There were only so many official grain quotas each month. If he shipped too much to the black market, it would raise suspicions.

So, he maintained a steady output of two boatloads each month, totaling over ten thousand tons.

Even with this modest volume,

Judson earned over a million dollars per month, depositing the money in banks. MacArthur took around $600,000, leaving Judson with $400,000.

Later, Judson opened more accounts in Switzerland, Cuba, and Brazil, using both his own name and MacArthur's wife's name.

In this way, the money flowed steadily.

After a few years, Judson amassed millions, with over $20 to $30 million stored overseas. MacArthur's share was even larger, with Jean's accounts holding over $40 million.

This money, Could never see the light of day.

First, it was black market money, its origins unexplainable. Second, it couldn't be brought back to the U.S. without a legitimate explanation. In simple terms, it was typical black money. Bringing it back would require laundering, and laundering costs were exorbitantly high. Judson felt it wasn't worth it.

Even if the money made it back, he would have to pay federal income tax. The tax on such a large sum would be around 35%, a third of the total. Just the thought of it made Judson feel the pain. He couldn't bear the idea.

So, The money stayed overseas.

Judson's business was thriving, and life was becoming more comfortable. In his mind, he envisioned himself eventually becoming a billionaire, a true American elite.

But just as he arrived at his office today, a few men in suits came to visit. One of them pulled out an ID,

"Mr. Judson, we are from the Federal Tax Bureau. Please come with us to assist in an investigation."

Judson's body instantly stiffened.

He knew, Nothing good could come from the tax bureau's visit.

He stammered in response,

"Gentlemen, I—I've always paid my taxes according to the law. There has—there has been no tax evasion."

The lead agent responded calmly, "You can explain everything once we get there, Mr. Judson. Please come with us, and don't make us resort to force."

Judson didn't dare resist.

He meekly followed the tax agents.

In the tax bureau's interrogation room, Judson sat in a chair. Although it was still September, he felt a chilling cold seeping into his bones.

"Mr. Judson, how many years have you been in the trade business?" someone asked. Enjoy new chapters from empire

"Over four years."

"Where do you usually sell your goods?"

Judson hesitated for a moment.

"The primary market is Japan. I have all the proper export documents."

"We're not asking whether your exports are compliant—that's customs business. What I'm asking you now is, do you have any accounts overseas?"

Judson instantly felt a chill run through his entire body.

He knew, since the tax agents were asking such a direct question, they must already have some evidence. Otherwise, they wouldn't have brought him in and asked directly about his overseas accounts.

Even though Judson wasn't a lawyer or an accountant, after so many years in business, he understood basic tax laws.

According to U.S. law, personal income tax is applied to all global income for U.S. citizens.

If he had overseas accounts and transferred money to them, it would be a clear act of tax evasion.

"No, I don't have any overseas accounts," Judson flatly denied, refusing to give in easily.

The tax agent questioning him wasn't in any rush. He opened a file and pulled out several documents. "Based on our investigation, you have an account in Cuba with a balance of $2.5 million, and another account in Brazil with a balance of $3.58 million."

"These two accounts, under your name, were each funded over the past two years. Do you have any explanation?"

He couldn't admit it.

Because his overseas deposits were not limited to those two accounts.

Moreover, if he opened his mouth now, it might lead to even more serious revelations.

And besides, he still held on to one last hope.

That hope was that MacArthur could save him.

So, he chose to keep his mouth shut. As long as he didn't confess, there was still a chance. He knew the principle of "the more you confess, the more punishment you face." He was very clear about that.