The Law: The Sultan of Swag

Looking for a bargain? Try Vincent Swaggi's store, where merchandise is stacked to the ceiling: household goods, toys, shoes, sweaters, suits, radios, electric toothbrushes, records, film, perfume, wigs, even ballet slippers. Ignore the department-store price marked on most items. Swaggi will give you "a real steal." But watch yourself. What you are reaching for is likely to be really stolen goods, hot as a smoldering coal. Vincent Swaggi is a fence.

In the subterranean society of professional crime, the fence is an economic necessity. Godfather to rip-off artists ranging from truck hijackers to snatch-and-grab junkies, the fence buys their "swag" (stolen goods)...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!