American Greed Episode 9: Unsolved $300 Million Art Heist | Preying on Faith

Case File

Case 1: Unsolved $300 Million Art Heist

  • The Museum
  • A notorious heist. A crime that shook the art world. Historic works were stolen from the Gardner Museum in Boston. Paintings by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Manet have now been missing for almost two decades!
  • The Deception
  • They dressed in police uniforms. An unsuspecting security guard opened a museum door that was to remain closed at night. The thieves used no weapons, only their wits to pull off the heist.
  • The Heist
  • It was a quick, clean getaway. In less than 90 minutes thieves stole 13 paintings valued at $300 million. American Greed profiles the twists and turns of a famous heist!

Case 2: Preying on Faith

  • The Lifestyle
  • A sharp dresser. An extravagant lifestyle. Abraham Kennard was a pastor who crisscrossed the country on private jets and and limos. He showered himself with cruises and cars.
  • The Scam
  • He traveled the nation spreading the word of the Lord and pushing a program that took a little faith but pledged to give a lot of money. His promises were many and great. Parishioners believed.
  • The Raid
  • An FBI raid uncovers the truth. Kennard's pledge to help was a massive scheme to defraud 1600 churches nationwide. His crimes and conviction are profiled on American Greed.

Web Extras

  • Vermeer's "The Concert"
    By: Lindsay Nadrich|CNBC Production Associate

    The investigation into the  $300 million art heist from a Boston museum in 1990 has heated up after authorities searched the house of a mob suspect. The Gardner Museum is offering a $5 million reward.

  • The Discovery

    It was a notorious heist; a crime that shook the art world. Paintings by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Manet have now been missing for almost two decades! Click to learn more.

  • The Sin

    Pastor Abraham Kennard preaches the word of the Lord and scams small African-American churches out of more than $9 million. Click to learn his story.

  • Read the Network International Investment Corporation's membership agreement.