Suburban Myth

“The $2.8 million mansion, tucked at the end of a private drive, boasts a climate-controlled wine cellar, sauna and four fireplaces — features not uncommon to this wealthy part of the Washington suburbs. But the man who bought the place a couple of years ago did not stick around to enjoy them, neighbors said. He introduced himself, then disappeared, leaving some wondering what was happening behind his nine-foot-tall carved-wood front doors.” WaPo (Gift Article): The mysterious Virginia mansion allegedly bought with stolen Nigerian money. “Authorities say close friends of an alleged kleptocrat bought properties with cash meant to fight Boko Haram, underscoring how the U.S. has become a money-laundering haven.” There’s a contributor to our housing shortage you probably didn’t have on your bingo card. (Meanwhile, people in the SF Bay Area are like, “Wait, 2.8 mil for a mansion? You mean a condo, right?”)