For decades, Nicholas Rockefeller moved through elite circles, rubbing shoulders with world leaders, Harvard and Yale alumni, and high-ranking officials.
He convinced everyone he was an heir to the Rockefeller fortune, a man of vast influence and wealth.
But as it turns out, there was no Nicholas Rockefeller—just Spiro Pavlovich III, a masterful con artist who faked his way into some of the most prestigious institutions and highest levels of government.
A Fake Harvard and Yale Law Graduate
Pavlovich’s deception began in 1968 when he forged his way into Harvard Law School using fake transcripts from Tulane University.
He nearly completed his degree, blending in effortlessly among some of the brightest legal minds—until an offhand scuba diving lie exposed him.
A job interviewer, an actual diving enthusiast, saw through his bluff, prompting further investigation.
When he also falsely claimed royal lineage, Harvard had enough and expelled him.
Undeterred, he returned in 1973 under a new identity, Jason Scott Cord, and managed to get accepted again.
This time, he brought along his wife, who also used a fake identity to get into Harvard Business School.
They lived a glamorous lie, driving expensive cars and masquerading as wealthy elites—until, once again, a job interview exposed him.
His claim of being a Louisiana college football player unraveled under scrutiny, leading to an FBI investigation and fraud charges.
Reinventing Himself as Nicholas Rockefeller
By 1984, Pavlovich had a new name and another Ivy League acceptance—this time at Yale Law School as Nicholas A. Rockefeller.
He played the part perfectly, charming classmates and weaving elaborate stories of foreign intelligence work, a Rhodes Scholarship, and ties to political dynasties.
Even highly respected figures, including top White House lawyers and presidential aides, were fooled.
After graduating, he secured a prestigious clerkship and built connections at the highest levels.
He attended White House events, posed as a family representative at high-profile funerals, and managed to embed himself within influential think tanks.
His network included Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, and even Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Ties to China and Questions of Espionage
While Pavlovich’s deception was impressive, his deep ties to Chinese government officials raised alarms.
His business, Rockefeller Resources International, was allegedly run by Chinese nationals and involved in major U.S.-China energy transactions.
He was even photographed meeting Xi Jinping in what appeared to be official discussions.
His access to sensitive circles and national security-related affairs has fueled speculation that he might have been more than just a fraudster—perhaps even an intelligence asset.
Upon his death, investigators discovered multiple passports and IDs, further deepening suspicions.
A Battle Over His Fortune
When Pavlovich passed away on Halloween at the age of 78, the truth began unraveling.
A legal battle erupted over his remains and the wealth he claimed to have.
Some believed he had access to hundreds of millions of dollars, while others argued he left behind only $35,000.
A $414 million judgment he had won against a Chinese font company became a key focus.
High-powered lawyers fought for control, each claiming to be his rightful executor.
The court is now investigating whether there was ever a real “Nicholas Rockefeller” or if this was just another layer of his elaborate deception.
The Final Mystery
Even in death, Spiro Pavlovich III remains an enigma.
Was he merely a brilliant scam artist, or was there a deeper purpose behind his decades-long masquerade?
As legal and intelligence officials dig deeper into his past, one thing is clear—he played the long game better than anyone ever imagined.
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