Fayth Downs

Written by Fayth Downs

Published: 02 Sep 2024

25-facts-about-efraim-diveroli
Source: Youtube.com

Who is Efraim Diveroli? Efraim Diveroli is a name that often pops up when discussing controversial arms dealers. Born in 1985, he became infamous for his role in a massive arms deal with the U.S. government at just 21 years old. Diveroli's company, AEY Inc., secured a $300 million contract to supply ammunition to Afghan forces. However, things took a dark turn when it was discovered that much of the ammo was sourced from China, violating U.S. law. His story is so wild that it even inspired the movie "War Dogs." Want to know more about this intriguing figure? Here are 25 facts about Efraim Diveroli.

Key Takeaways:

  • Efraim Diveroli, a young arms dealer, rose to fame with a $298 million government contract but faced legal troubles for sourcing ammunition illegally, serving four years in prison.
  • Diveroli's controversial life as an arms dealer has sparked debates about ethics and government oversight in the arms dealing industry, leaving a complex legacy for future generations to ponder.
Table of Contents

Early Life and Background

Efraim Diveroli's story is one of intrigue and controversy. His early years set the stage for his later exploits in the arms dealing world.

  1. Born on December 20, 1985, in Miami Beach, Florida, Diveroli grew up in a Jewish family.
  2. His grandfather, Yoav Botach, was a prominent real estate developer in Los Angeles.
  3. Diveroli dropped out of high school at 14 to work for his uncle's arms company, Botach Tactical.
  4. At 16, he moved to Los Angeles to work for his uncle, but soon returned to Miami to start his own business.
  5. Diveroli founded AEY Inc., an arms dealing company, at just 18 years old.

Rise to Notoriety

Diveroli's rapid rise in the arms dealing industry was marked by significant contracts and controversies.

  1. In 2007, AEY Inc. secured a $298 million contract with the U.S. government to supply ammunition to the Afghan National Army.
  2. The contract made Diveroli one of the youngest arms dealers to secure such a large government contract.
  3. AEY Inc. was tasked with supplying 100 million rounds of AK-47 ammunition, among other military supplies.
  4. Diveroli's company sourced much of the ammunition from surplus stockpiles in Eastern Europe.
  5. The ammunition supplied by AEY Inc. was often repackaged Chinese-made rounds, which violated U.S. law.

Legal Troubles

Diveroli's business practices eventually caught up with him, leading to significant legal issues.

  1. In 2008, the New York Times published an exposé on AEY Inc.'s dealings, bringing Diveroli's activities to light.
  2. The U.S. government suspended AEY Inc. from future contracts following the exposé.
  3. Diveroli was arrested in 2008 and charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States.
  4. He pleaded guilty to the charges in 2009.
  5. Diveroli was sentenced to four years in federal prison.

Life After Prison

After serving his sentence, Diveroli attempted to rebuild his life and business.

  1. Diveroli was released from prison in 2014.
  2. He wrote a memoir titled "Once a Gun Runner," detailing his experiences in the arms dealing world.
  3. The memoir was published in 2016 and received mixed reviews.
  4. Diveroli has since kept a relatively low profile, avoiding the spotlight.
  5. His story was adapted into the 2016 film "War Dogs," starring Jonah Hill as Diveroli.

Personal Life and Legacy

Despite his controversial past, Diveroli's story continues to captivate many.

  1. Diveroli's life has been the subject of numerous articles, documentaries, and books.
  2. He remains a polarizing figure, with some viewing him as a cautionary tale and others as a savvy businessman.
  3. Diveroli's story highlights the complexities and ethical dilemmas of the arms dealing industry.
  4. His experiences have sparked debates about government contracting and oversight.
  5. Diveroli's legacy is a testament to the thin line between ambition and legality in the world of international arms dealing.

Final Thoughts on Efraim Diveroli

Efraim Diveroli's story is a wild ride through the world of arms dealing. From a young entrepreneur to a convicted felon, his life has been anything but ordinary. His company, AEY Inc., landed massive government contracts, but shady practices led to his downfall. Diveroli's tale highlights the thin line between ambition and legality. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of cutting corners and ignoring regulations. Despite his legal troubles, Diveroli remains a controversial figure, sparking debates about ethics in business. His story is a reminder that success achieved through dishonest means is often short-lived. Whether you see him as a flawed genius or a cautionary example, Diveroli's life offers valuable lessons about integrity, ambition, and the high stakes of the arms trade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Efraim Diveroli?
Efraim Diveroli was a young arms dealer who made headlines for landing a massive $300 million contract with the Pentagon at just 22 years old. His story is a wild ride of ambition, legal battles, and controversy, showing how a kid from Miami Beach turned into an international arms dealer.
How did Diveroli start in the arms dealing business?
Starting out in his teenage years, Diveroli took an interest in the arms trade through his family's business. He quickly showed a knack for the industry, founding his own company, AEY Inc., which would later secure the infamous Pentagon contract.
What was the Pentagon contract about?
This contract, worth $300 million, was for supplying the Afghan Army with ammunition. However, it spiraled into controversy when it was discovered that AEY was providing decades-old, potentially unreliable Chinese ammunition, violating U.S. laws against Chinese arms.
Did Diveroli face any legal consequences?
Yes, indeed. After investigations into the dealings of AEY Inc., Diveroli was charged with multiple counts of fraud and conspiracy. He was sentenced to four years in federal prison, highlighting the legal repercussions of his actions.
Is there a movie or book about Efraim Diveroli's life?
Absolutely! His life story inspired the film "War Dogs," where Jonah Hill plays Diveroli. Additionally, Diveroli penned a memoir titled "Once a Gun Runner," giving a firsthand account of his experiences in the arms trade.
What happened to Diveroli after prison?
After serving his sentence, Diveroli has kept a relatively low profile. He's ventured into writing, with his memoir, and occasionally speaks out about his past, focusing on his experiences and lessons learned from his time as an arms dealer.
Can anyone become an arms dealer?
Technically, with the right licenses and adherence to international laws, yes. However, Diveroli's story serves as a cautionary tale about the risks and ethical dilemmas involved. It's a field that requires strict compliance with laws and regulations, and not everyone is cut out for it.

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