The greed of a tycoon who amassed millions led him to almost lose his grandson, refusing to pay the ransom demanded by his captors.
Over the decades, many people have worked to accumulate millions, invest wisely and build fortunes. However, extreme greed can lead to devastating decisions. Jean Paul Gettyone of the richest billionaires in the United States, is a clear example of this extreme stinginess, similar to the infamous “Witch of Wall Street.”
In the world of finance, Getty’s name resonates as much for his immense fortune as for his coldness when facing personal situations. This oil tycoonknown for his unshakable control of his wealth, went so far as to almost letting his kidnapped grandson dierefusing to pay the demanded ransom.
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The story of Jean Paul Getty, the most miserly billionaire in the United States
The tycoon of oilwent down in history not only for his wealth, but also for his extreme greed. With a fortune that exceeded 2 billion dollarsGetty was fully dedicated to the purchase and sale of small oil companies that led him to found Getty Oil. Despite having such a fortune, Jean Paul always remained cold and his meanness almost cost his grandson his life, John Paul Getty IIIIn 1973, the young man was kidnapped by the Calabrian mafiawhich demanded a ransom of 17 million dollarsThe billionaire refused to pay, arguing that if he gave in once, he risked having his other grandchildren kidnapped as well.
The kidnapping continued for months, until the mob, in a desperate attempt to get the money, sent one of the young man’s ears as a warning. “If they don’t pay, next time we’ll give it back in pieces,” It was the note that managed to shake Getty who agreed to pay, but not before negotiating a discount and lend the money to his son with interest. This episode, which made headlines and was even made into a movie, made it clear that for Getty, his millions were more valuable than his grandson’s life.
Source: Ambito
