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サマリー
あらすじ・解説
In the unfolding narrative of Cliff Lambert’s murder, what quickly became clear was that the web of deceit surrounding his disappearance was far more complex than a simple crime of passion or a spur-of-the-moment act of violence. At the center of this tangled web were two men who, at first glance, appeared to be refined and sophisticated members of society but who, in reality, were seasoned con artists: Kaushal Niroula and Daniel Garcia. Their story, along with that of their accomplices, would become a sordid tale of deception, betrayal, and an insatiable hunger for wealth, one that continues to captivate and horrify those who have followed the case.To understand how these two men came to be involved in one of California’s most audacious criminal plots, one must first examine their backgrounds. Kaushal Niroula, born and raised in Nepal, was the son of a politically influential family. Despite his privileged upbringing, he developed a reputation for manipulation and fraud from a young age. Those who knew him described him as magnetic, with a charm that could disarm even the most skeptical of individuals. Niroula’s ability to spin stories and fabricate realities was unmatched, a skill he honed over the years through a series of increasingly brazen cons. He claimed to be a man of immense wealth and power, dropping the names of politicians, business tycoons, and foreign dignitaries with ease. But behind the facade lay a pattern of deception, a history littered with fraud and theft.Niroula’s criminal exploits were not confined to one country. He traveled across the globe, leaving a trail of financial victims in his wake. He had defrauded wealthy patrons, used forged identities, and even managed to insert himself into the social circles of some of the world’s elite. Each con was carefully orchestrated, with Niroula presenting himself as a worldly investor, ready to share his supposed wealth and influence. Despite several close calls with law enforcement, he always seemed to slip through the cracks, thanks in part to his linguistic skills and his gift for weaving convincing narratives. By the time he arrived in Palm Springs, he had already perfected his art.Daniel Garcia, on the other hand, had a more understated history. He lacked Niroula’s flamboyance but was equally skilled at deception. Garcia had grown up in a middle-class family in California and, by his twenties, had become deeply entrenched in a world of scams and schemes. Unlike Niroula, who thrived on the adrenaline of pulling off major cons, Garcia was pragmatic, the kind of man who worked behind the scenes to ensure every part of a con ran smoothly. The two men met in the murky underworld of con artistry, where they recognized in each other a kindred spirit, albeit one driven by a shared ambition for wealth at any cost.When Niroula and Garcia arrived in Palm Springs, they saw the community as a goldmine of opportunity. The city’s affluent residents, many of whom were retirees with significant assets, presented a tempting target for their particular brand of crime. Lambert, with his valuable art collection and reputation as a generous host, became their prime mark. To pull off a con of this magnitude, they knew they would need more than just their usual tricks. They would have to orchestrate an elaborate scheme that would require not only deception but also a willingness to cross moral and ethical lines that most people could never fathom.The plan they developed was meticulous, a masterclass in manipulation. At its core, it was a scheme designed to transfer all of Lambert’s wealth and properties into their control. To do this, they needed access to his financial records, his trust, and, ultimately, his physical absence. The first phase of their plot involved ingratiating themselves with Lambert. Using their considerable charm and finely tuned social skills, Niroula and Garcia managed to insert themselves into his life. They presented themselves as successful investors, men who could help Lambert grow his wealth through savvy real estate deals and exclusive opportunities.Lambert, who had always enjoyed engaging with new people and ideas, was drawn to their polished personas. Niroula, in particular, had an aura of worldliness that intrigued the art dealer. He spoke of ventures in Dubai, investments in European art markets, and financial strategies that promised incredible returns. Garcia, acting as a more reserved and credible partner, reinforced Niroula’s stories, providing a sense of legitimacy to their grandiose claims. It was a classic good-cop-bad-cop routine, designed to put Lambert at ease and make him believe he was dealing with true professionals.As Lambert began to trust them, Niroula and Garcia’s plan became more audacious. They managed to convince Lambert to sign several documents, some of which he believed were related to real estate investments. In reality, these papers were forged legal documents, transferring ...