As Vilar Fraud Trial Begins, Tales Of Deceit Unspool

“Alberto W. Vilar, the opera lover and disgraced patron of the arts, took center stage in a federal courtroom on Monday, when his trial for securities fraud opened with a prosecutor describing him as a lying fraudster who finagled money out of clients. Defense lawyers gave a contrasting view, portraying him as a top-rated investment adviser who made millions for big pension funds and individuals and returned ‘every penny’ to his clients.”