Violin Dealer Dietmar Machold Convicted of Embezzlement

German Dietmar Machold lived the high-life in Vienna as one of the world’s foremost experts on violins. But it was all a ponzi scheme. And Friday, an Austrian court convicted him of embezzlement and fraud. Aaron Schachter tells the sad tale.

Arts, Culture & Media

Defendant German businessman Dietmar Machold arrives in handcuffs for the start of his trial for fraud and embezzlement at a court in Vienna September 19, 2012. Machold is accused of fraud in dealing in historic musical instruments including Stradivarius violins. REUTERS/Heinz-Peter Bader (AUSTRIA – Tags: BUSINESS CRIME LAW PROFILE)

REUTERS

German Dietmar Machold lived the high-life in Vienna as one of the world’s foremost experts on violins.

But it was all a ponzi scheme.

And Friday, an Austrian court convicted him of embezzlement and fraud. Aaron Schachter tells the sad tale.