Exploring Hollywood Hustler: Inside a $650M Actor’s Ponzi Scheme
Zach Horwitz, known by his stage name Zach Avery, has been in the headlines after being sentenced to 20 years in prison for his involvement in a massive financial scheme that raised over $650 million. The actor’s story is now the subject of a new Prime Video docuseries called “Hollywood Hustler: Glitz, Glam, Scam,” set to premiere on October 17, 2025.
The series, directed by Rebecca Chaiklin, delves into Horwitz’s transformation from a struggling actor to the mastermind behind a fraudulent operation that affected numerous individuals in Hollywood. Interviews with his ex-wife, Mallory, and friends provide personal insights into his descent into deception.
Before his legal troubles, Horwitz, or Zach Avery, as he was professionally known, appeared in several films such as Last Moment of Clarity and The Gateway. However, his career took a dark turn when he was arrested in 2021 for defrauding investors through his company, 1inMM Capital. He misled investors by claiming to purchase foreign distribution rights to Hollywood films and selling them to streaming platforms like Netflix and HBO. His intricate scheme involved forged documents and convincing pitches that ultimately led to massive financial losses.
In October 2021, Horwitz pleaded guilty to securities fraud and was sentenced to two decades in prison, along with an order to pay restitution of over $230 million. The court revealed that his fraudulent activities had raised at least $650 million, making it one of Hollywood’s most significant Ponzi schemes.
Despite the legal repercussions, efforts to recover funds for victims are ongoing, with approximately $15 million already returning to victims by late 2024. The docuseries promises an inside look into the Hollywood hustle that captivated investors and shattered illusions. “Hollywood Hustler: Glitz, Glam, Scam” is set to premiere on Prime Video, offering viewers a compelling narrative of ambition, deceit, and the consequences of financial fraud.
