This is the American Greek podcast presented by CNBC. I'm Stacey Keach.

In this episode of American Greed, the queen of commercial real estate poses in the spotlight,

but operates in the shadows.

When you come to my home to eat, this is the atmosphere you would experience.

Champion Kane admitted in court that she was the mastermind of a massive

$400 million Ponzi scheme.

Gina Champion Kane is on the cover of magazines.

She sits on influential boards and wins awards.

In San Diego, she's kind of a big deal.

Sunset, you know, is a real estate developer and business owner.

I also own 10 restaurants. I know I'm crazy.

Gina wanted to build an empire.

The mayor even named June 28, 2006, Gina Champion Kane Day.

She's this powerful woman entrepreneur in San Diego.

It's like, wow, how do I become that someday?

The Champion Kane isn't the role model she seems to be.

When she gets involved in the liquor licensing business,

she becomes drunk with power and masterminds one of the largest frauds in San Diego history.

I mean, you could argue this was a $400 million business enterprise

and here this woman pulls it off.

But the enterprising entrepreneur isn't the successful business woman

she pretends to be.

...