'The crime of fraud, when conducted well, is a fascinating pursuit. It's a test of intellect, determination and stamina. It is a floating mess of fact and fiction that you have to carry in your mind for twenty-four hours a day.

It can be used to realize dreams, to slip on any mask required.'

Elliot Castro was just a teenager when he began to use his formidable intelligence and charm to swindle millions from the credit card system. No outside individual has ever pulled off this scale of fraudulent activity.

But the money wasn't funding an addiction or other criminal enterprises; Elliot was simply a working-class kid with no qualifications who wanted to see the world. From London to New York, Ibiza to Beverly Hills, Castro lived a fantasy life.

He stayed in famous hotels, travelled first class and blew a small fortune on designer clothes and champagne.