David Packouz
David Packouz
Comunity Hub
arrow-down
arrow-down
arrow-down

Overview

David Packouz, born David Mordechai Packouz, is an American figure best known for his involvement in a high-profile arms dealing venture that ultimately led to his conviction for fraud. His life story, marked by entrepreneurial ambition, moral compromises, and legal consequences, provides a fascinating glimpse into the complex world of international arms trading and its potential pitfalls. Beyond his arms dealing notoriety, Packouz has also pursued interests in music and invention, adding further layers to his public persona.
Main Milestones
Birth in St. Louis, Missouri
February 17, 1982
David Mordechai Packouz is born in St. Louis, Missouri, into a Jewish family. His upbringing was relatively normal, and there is little publicly available information about his early childhood beyond the fact that he later attended college before dropping out to pursue other ventures.
Massage Therapy and Music Career
Early 2000s
Prior to his involvement in arms dealing, Packouz pursued careers as a massage therapist and musician. He played the guitar and sang, focusing on folk and acoustic music. These early pursuits highlight his diverse interests before entering the high-stakes world of international business.
Co-founding AEY Inc.
2005
Packouz partners with Efraim Diveroli to found AEY Inc., a company focused on securing arms contracts from the U.S. government, particularly for supplying weapons and ammunition to the Afghan National Army during the War in Afghanistan. This marks a pivotal moment, shifting Packouz's career trajectory dramatically.
The Albanian Ammunition Deal
2007
AEY Inc. wins a nearly $300 million contract to supply ammunition to Afghanistan. This contract becomes infamous due to the discovery that the ammunition was decades old, of Chinese origin (violating U.S. sanctions), and repackaged to conceal its origin. This deal would ultimately lead to legal trouble for both Packouz and Diveroli.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
2010
David Packouz pleads guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States in connection to the Albanian ammunition deal. He is sentenced to seven months of house arrest. This marks a significant legal consequence for his role in the fraudulent activities of AEY Inc.
Release of 'War Dogs'
2016
The movie 'War Dogs', starring Jonah Hill as Efraim Diveroli and Miles Teller as David Packouz, is released. The film is a dramatized account of their experiences running AEY Inc. The movie brings significant public attention to Packouz's story, though he has expressed mixed feelings about its accuracy.
Byron Ventures and Music Production
Post-2016
Following the release of 'War Dogs', Packouz attempts to re-establish his life and career. He invents a guitar pedal called the 'BeatBuddy' and starts the company Byron Ventures to market his invention and pursue other entrepreneurial activities. He also continues to pursue his passion for music, producing and releasing music online. This period signifies his attempts to move past his past mistakes and find success through legitimate means.
Entrepreneurial and Musical Pursuits
Present
Packouz continues to be involved in entrepreneurial ventures and music production. He has remained relatively low-profile, focusing on building a more positive and sustainable future. He still resides in the Miami area.