The Hustler's Digest StaffOver twenty years after his demise, Pablo Escobar remains well known as he was during his prime years as the head of the Medellín drug cartel. His fixture in mainstream society is generally on account of numerous books, motion pictures, and songs.
A Colombian drug lord and narcoterrorist, Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria, in 1976, became the founder and sole head of the Medellín Cartel. The Medellín Cartel, which appropriated powder cocaine and set up the initial smuggling courses into the United States, Escobar’s penetration into the U.S. resulted in exponential interest in cocaine. By the 1980s, it was approximated that Escobar drove shipments of 70 to 80 tons of cocaine from Columbia into the United States every month. Pablo escobar height was 1.67 m.
So, how much money did Pablo Escobar make? Subsequently, he immediately became probably the richest individual on the planet. However, Escobar consistently got into fights with local and foreign rival cartels that prompted slaughters and the homicides of cops, judges, local people, and noticeable legislators, making Colombia the homicide capital of the world.
How Much Money Did Pablo Escobar make?
At the peak of its influence, the Medellín cartel ruled the cocaine exchange, acquiring an expected $420 million per week and making its founder and head perhaps the wealthiest individual on the planet. With a reported net worth of almost $25 billion, Escobar had more than sufficient cash to spend, and spend he did.
His extravagant way of life included private planes, lavish homes, and exclusive and lavish parties. By the end of the 1980s, he supposedly offered to take care of his nation’s $10 billion debt. However, he only made the offer only on the basis of the fact that if he did, he would be absolved from any extradition treaty. And what happened to Pablo Escobar’s family, the run in 1992 till 1993, Escobar supposedly burnt $2 million so as to keep his daughter warm. Pablo Escobar zoo is very famous in Colombia.
Nonetheless, in spite of his earnest attempts, even Escobar could not go through such cash, and a lot of it was put away in stockrooms and fields. As per his brother, Roberto Escobar, about 10%, or $2.1 billion, was written off on a yearly basis; it was either eaten by rodents or obliterated by the elements. Most of the time, it was basically lost.
Envisioning the degree of Pablo Escobar’s wealth, he made it to Forbes’ list of international billionaires for seven consecutive years, from 1987 up until 1993. In 1989, Pablo Escobar was named the seventh wealthiest man on the planet.
While stowing away or obliterating the excessive measure of cash was one issue, the two brothers also often came face to face with another, more rudimentary issue: organizing the banknotes perfectly. As indicated by Roberto Escobar, the Medellín cartel spent an expected $2,500 per month on rubber bands that were meant to hold the stacks of bills together.
Interesting Facts About Pablo Escobar’s Immense Wealth
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While it’s quite difficult to determine the exact immensity of Pablo Escoobar’s wealth, several well-known stories regarding his fortune exist.
- One story about his wealth claims that he offered to pay off Colombia’s external debt of ten billion dollars in the late 80s on the condition that the government wouldn’t pass the extradition law. This amount of money would be worth even more today.
- Another story is that his drug cartel earned around 420 million dollars per week, totaling $22 billion by the end of the year.
- According to his son, he once burned two million dollars to keep his daughter warm while they were in hiding.
- He had so much unaccounted-for wealth that we would bury millions of dollars in cans, and much of it was left to rot or eaten by rats.
- He was included in Forbes’ wealthiest list for seven years (1987-1993).
- He spent $2,500 weekly on rubber bands to hold his dollar bills together.
- He owned numerous properties, including the massive “Hacienda Napoles” with its own racetracks and zoo with exotic animals, some of which remain on the property today.
- He had a vast fling operation and was able to build secret runways to keep it operational.
- He also built entire neighborhoods, soccer fields, hospitals, schools and would give money to anyone in need to gain their favor.
Pablo Escobar’s Family
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Pablo Escobar, the notorious drug lord and leader of the Medellin Cartel, had a large family consisting of a wife, children, siblings, and extended relatives.
Escobar married Maria Victoria Henao, who was just 15 when he was 26. They had two children together, Juan Pablo and Manuela. Juan Pablo has since become a vocal advocate for victims of drug trafficking and organized crime, while Manuela has largely kept out of the public eye.
Escobar also had several siblings, including his older brother, Roberto, who was a key member of the Medellin Cartel and served as the cartel’s accountant. Roberto was eventually arrested and served time in prison for his involvement in the drug trade.
In addition to his immediate family, Escobar had many other relatives who were involved in his criminal activities. His cousin Gustavo Gaviria was one of his closest associates and was his chief lieutenant. Gaviria was killed by Colombian police in 1990. Escobar’s nephews, Nicolas and Juan David Ochoa were also involved in the cartel and served time in prison for their roles in the organization.
After Escobar’s death in 1993 forced his family to flee Colombia and lived in hiding for many years. Maria Victoria Henao and her children eventually settled in Argentina, where they changed their names and lived under assumed identities for many years. Juan Pablo has since written a book about his experiences growing up as the son of one of the world’s most notorious criminals. At the same time, Manuela has largely avoided the public eye.
Pablo Escobar’s Son
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The son of the Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, Juan Sebastián Marroquín Santos was born in Medellin, Columbia, on the 24th of February in 1977 as Juan Pablo Escobar Henao, and is currently a Colombian architect and writer. Of all of Pablo Escobar’s family members, Juan is the only one vocal about his life with his father and how he spent his childhood.
Juan Escobar, his mother, and his sister Manuela initially fled to Mozambique. They later headed out for Argentina on visitation visas, where they eventually remained and became residents in a state of banishment from their country Colombia. Juan Pablo picked the name “Sebastián Marroquín” from the phone directory and took it up as his new name since he required another identity. In a meeting with Skavlan, he expressed that airlines would not offer to him under the Escobar name.
Even though he and his family keep on earning money on the rights to Pablo Escobar’s name and resemblance (for example, selling garments bearing his similarity for additional salary), and have attempted multiple times (albeit fruitlessly) to enroll Escobar’s name as a brand, Marroquín favors not to be connected with his dad, which includes notice of his past name; he is likewise resolved to separate himself from the Medellín Cartel and the illegal drug trade in Colombia.
Marroquín graduated from college with a degree in design and presently lives in Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires, with his wife and child, where he works as an architect. He has since met with a few of his dad’s victims, as depicted in the 2009 documentary ‘Sins of My Father.’
Marroquín has also had the chance to visit Colombia twice: to offer his respects at his father’s grave and for the debut and premiere of the documentary. He was not permitted to enter Hacienda Nápoles for a return visit to Escobar’s 20 square kilometers or 7.7 square mile home, 180 kilometers or 110 miles east of Medellin, which has been seized by the Colombian government after Escobar’s demise and is now managed by the district of Puerto Triunfo as a public park, campsite, and gallery of Escobar’s wrongdoings.
Pablo Escobar’s House
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Pablo Escobar houses – Hacienda Nápoles, which is Spanish for “Naples Estate,” was the lavish estate made and possessed by Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar in Puerto Triunfo, Antioquia Department, Colombia, around 150 km or 93 miles east of Medellín and 249 km or 155 miles northwest of Bogotá. The domain covers around 20 square kilometers or 7.7 square miles of land. Following Escobar’s passing in 1993, many of the original buildings on the property were obliterated or reconditioned for different occupations.
Image Source: Atlas Obscura
The home incorporated a Spanish colonial house, a model park, and a zoo that included numerous sorts of creatures from various countries and continents, for example, elephants, giraffes, antelopes, hippopotamuses, exotic birds, ostriches, and horses. The property also boasted many old and extravagant vehicles and bicycles, a private air terminal, a bullring, and even a kart racing track. Mounted on the hacienda’s entrance door is an imitation of the Piper PA-18 Super Cub plane.
Other unique highlights incorporate dinosaur statues made with bones in a part of the lavish estate, alongside statues of prehistoric animals (for example, the mammoth) that children can climb and play on, along with decommissioned military vehicles and a giant-sized hand sculpture.
Escobar’s family and the Columbian government got into some struggles over the property after Escobar’s death. The government won and acquired the property. These days, it is being handled by the district of Puerto Triunfo as a national park, campsite, and museum of Escobar’s crimes.
What are some Tv Shows, Movies, Books, And Documentaries Inspired By The Life of Pablo Escobar?
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Pablo Escobar is one of the most notorious figures in recent history, and as such, his life has been the subject of countless books, documentaries, and films. Here are some notable examples
Movies
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- Escobar: Paradise Lost (2014) – This film follows a young surfer who falls in love with a woman who happens to be the niece of Pablo Escobar. As their relationship develops, he finds himself drawn into the dangerous world of the drug lord.
- Loving Pablo (2017) – Starring Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz, this film tells the story of Pablo Escobar’s relationship with journalist Virginia Vallejo.
- Blow (2001) – While not strictly about Pablo Escobar, this film starring Johnny Depp follows the life of George Jung, who was one of the biggest drug smugglers in the United States and had ties to the Medellin cartel.
TV Shows
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- Narcos (2015-2017) – This popular Netflix series follows the rise and fall of Pablo Escobar and the Medellin cartel. It was praised for its accurate portrayal of the events and the performances of the cast, particularly Wagner Moura as Escobar.
- Pablo Escobar: The Drug Lord (2012-2013) – This Colombian series follows the life of Pablo Escobar, from his early days as a small-time smuggler to his reign as the most powerful drug lord in the world.
- Surviving Escobar: Alias JJ (2017-2018) – This series, also from Colombia, tells the story of John Jairo Velásquez, a former hitman for Escobar who turns himself into the authorities and must navigate life in prison while being hunted by his former associates.
Books
- Killing Pablo: The Hunt For The World’s Greatest Outlaw by Mark Bowden – This book tells the story of the hunt for Pablo Escobar by the United States and Colombian governments.
- Pablo Escobar: My Father by Juan Pablo Escobar – This memoir by Pablo Escobar’s son offers a unique perspective on his father’s life and crimes.
- The Accountant’s Story: Inside the Violent World of the Medellín Cartel by Roberto Escobar – This book was written by Pablo Escobar’s brother and former accountant and provided a detailed look at the inner workings of the cartel.
Documentaries
- The Two Escobars (2010) – This ESPN documentary explores the connections between Pablo Escobar and Andres Escobar, a famous Colombian soccer player who was murdered in 1994.
- Sins of My Father (2009) – This documentary follows Sebastian Marroquin, Pablo Escobar’s son, as he confronts his father’s legacy and tries to reconcile with the families of Escobar’s victims.
- Pablo Escobar: The King of Coke (2007) – This National Geographic documentary offers a comprehensive look at Escobar’s life and crimes, featuring interviews with his family members, former associates, and law enforcement officials who pursued him.
Some Interesting Facts On Escobar’s Life
Pablo Escobar, the “King of Cocaine,” was the son of a very poor farmer living in Colombia. Pablo Escobar was adamant about changing his life course no matter what path he had to take.
His actions from the beginning indicated that he wanted to make money by hook or crook, as he started his criminal career by stealing gravestones and sanding them down to resell them. In the pursuit of fortune, he became one of the world’s richest men by age 35. Pablo Escobar led a very interesting life here are some interesting facts about Pablo Escobar.
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Pablo Escobar’s hippos:
After Escobar’s death, his private zoo animals were dispersed, but his four hippos were left to roam free in the Magdalena River near his former estate, Hacienda Nápoles. The hippos, now numbering over 80, have since become an invasive species and a potential threat to the local ecosystem. Efforts to control their population have been difficult due to their size and aggressive nature.
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Escobar’s flamboyant lifestyle:
Escobar was notorious for his lavish spending on luxury items such as cars, jewelry, and even a private zoo. He was known to carry suitcases filled with cash and spent thousands of dollars a month on rubber bands to bundle his cash. Despite his wealth, he lived in a modest house in Medellín to avoid drawing attention to himself.
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The Medellín Cartel’s influence on Colombian politics:
The Medellín Cartel had significant influence over Colombian politics during the 1980s and early 1990s. They were known to bribe politicians, judges, and police officers in order to operate with impunity. Escobar himself famously offered to pay off Colombia’s national debt in exchange for immunity from prosecution.
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Escobar’s escape from prison:
In July 1992, Escobar escaped from La Catedral, the prison he had built for himself. He reportedly bribed the guards to look the other way while he walked out the front door. After his escape, the Colombian government launched a massive manhunt to capture him.
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Escobar’s death:
On December 2, 1993, Escobar was killed by Colombian police in a rooftop shootout in Medellín. He had been on the run for over a year, becoming increasingly paranoid and erratic that he used to walk looking over his shoulder from time to time. His death marked the end of an era in Colombian history and the beginning of a long road to recovery for the country.
How Did Pablo Escobar Die?
Pablo Escobar met his end through a dramatic series of events. In 1991, he proposed surrendering to authorities under the condition of constructing his own jail, a request surprisingly granted by Colombian officials. Thus, “La Catedral” was born, a luxurious facility boasting amenities like a nightclub, sauna, soccer field, and even a waterfall. However, Escobar’s violent acts within its walls prompted authorities to relocate him to a less accommodating prison. Seizing an opportunity, he escaped in July 1992.
A massive manhunt ensued, orchestrated by the Colombian government with purported assistance from the United States and rival drug factions. On December 2, 1993, Escobar celebrated his 44th birthday amidst cake, wine, and cannabis. The next day, authorities located his hideout in Medellín. As they stormed the building, a frantic pursuit and gunfight unfolded, resulting in Escobar’s fatal shooting. While some speculate he took his own life to evade extradition to the US, his previous assertion that he’d prefer a grave in Colombia over a prison cell in the United States adds weight to this theory.
What Was The Aftermath Of Pablo Escobar’s Death?
The aftermath of Pablo Escobar was significant. With the demise of the leader of Medellin Cartel, the Colombian government intensified its efforts to eliminate the drug trade, dismantling other cartels and arresting several drug lords.
However, the end of Escobar’s reign did not result in an immediate end to violence in Colombia. Other criminal organizations emerged, and the government continued to combat them with force. The government also implemented reforms and social programs to address the poverty, inequality, and corruption issues that had allowed drug trafficking to thrive.
Escobar’s death also had personal consequences for his family, who faced threats and violence from those seeking revenge or attempting to claim his fortune. His wife and children went into hiding and faced legal challenges to their assets.
While the end of Escobar’s reign marked a turning point in the fight against drug trafficking in Colombia, it was not the end of the country’s struggles with violence and corruption.
A Brief Timeline Of Pablo Escobar’s Life
Here’s a brief timeline of Pablo Escobar’s notorious yet interesting life:
- December 1, 1949: Pablo Escobar is born in Rionegro, Colombia.
- 1975: Escobar begins his criminal career by smuggling and selling stolen goods.
- 1976: Escobar and several other criminals establish the Medellin Cartel.
- 1978: Escobar is elected to the Colombian Congress as a substitute member.
- 1982: Escobar is arrested on charges of drug trafficking and murder but is released due to intimidation of judges and witnesses.
- 1983: The Medellin Cartel becomes the world’s leading cocaine exporter, making billions of dollars in profit.
- 1984: Escobar orders the assassination of Luis Carlos Galan, a presidential candidate who opposes the drug trade.
- 1989: Escobar surrenders to Colombian authorities but escapes from prison in July of the same year.
- 1991: Escobar offers to turn himself in, but the Colombian government refuses his terms.
- 1993: After a manhunt that lasted months, Escobar is located and killed by Colombian police on December 2.
FAQs about Pablo Escobar
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How Much Money Did Pablo Escobar have?
How much did Pablo Escobar make? Pablo Escobar was a Colombian drug lord who amassed a fortune through the production and distribution of cocaine. In the 1980s, he was one of the richest men in the world, with an estimated net worth of $30 billion.
How much is Pablo Escobar worth?
Pablo Escobar’s net worth is $25 billion.
What happened to Pablo Escobar’s family?
The family of Pablo Escobar’s life was full of tragedy. His wife, Maria Victoria Henao, and their two children, Juan Pablo and Manuela, were constantly pursued by the Colombian authorities and feared for their lives. In 1993, Escobar was killed in a shootout with the police. His death left his family devastated.
What happened to Pablo Escobar’s money
Pablo Escobar was a Colombian drug lord who amassed a fortune by selling illegal drugs. He was killed in 1993, leaving many wondering what happened to his money. Estimates of Escobar’s wealth vary, but it is generally agreed that he was one of the richest men in the world at the time.
Is Pablo Escobar’s wife wealthy?
Pablo Escobar’s wife inherited as much as $10 million, enabling her to live a dignified life with her son.
Is Pablo Escobar’s daughter affluent?
Pablo Escobar’s daughter’s current net worth exceeds $100 million.
What illegal drug did Pablo Escobar traffic?
The drug lord was notorious for smuggling illicit substances into the United States, and his cartel supplied approximately 80% of the country’s illegal drugs at one point.
How much did Pablo Escobar spend on rubber bands?
According to his brother Roberto, the drug lord spent around $2500 weekly on rubber bands due to the enormous amounts of cash he earned.
How much did Pablo Escobar lose to rats?
Around 10% of his wealth, equivalent to approximately $2.1 billion, was lost or destroyed by rats or natural elements, as reported by his brother Roberto.
What is the difference between Escobar’s net worth and El Chapo’s?
Pablo Escobar and El Chapo are recognized as two of the most powerful drug traffickers in the world. El Chapo, also known as Joaquin Alchivado Guzman Loera, led the Sinaloa Cartel, a transnational criminal organization. Still, Pablo Escobar’s net worth is much more than that of El Chapo as El Chapo’s net worth is $1 Billion while Escoabar’s is $25 billion.
Conclusion
Bullet wounds to the leg and torso, along with lethal gunfire through the ear, marked Escobar’s final moments. The perpetrator of the fatal shot to his ear remains unknown, leaving speculation rife regarding whether it occurred during the gunfight or as part of a potential execution. Amid this uncertainty, Escobar’s aunt, Alba Marina Escobar, emerged as an unexpected player, absconding with the hidden fortune following the death of Escobar’s father.
Controversy surrounds Escobar’s demise, with some of his family members asserting he took his own life. Both Roberto Escobar and Fernando Sánchez Arellano, his siblings, have publicly claimed that he ended his own life by shooting himself through the ear. Their statements paint a picture of a man who, in moments of desperation, had forewarned of such an act.
While renowned as one of the wealthiest individuals globally, Escobar’s death led to the dispersal of much of his fortune, seized largely by the government. His family, left with a diminished financial cushion, resorted to drastic measures, including hiring bodyguards and booking entire hotel floors for their protection. Financial strains eventually pushed them to relocate to Argentina, where they embraced a modest, middle-class existence.
In the aftermath of Escobar’s demise and the subsequent collapse of the Medellín Cartel, the cocaine market underwent a seismic shift, with the Cali Cartel rising to dominance until the Colombian government dismantled its leadership in the mid-1990s. Despite his criminal exploits, Escobar’s legacy endured in Medellín, where many residents, particularly the impoverished whom he once aided, mourned his passing. His funeral drew over 25,000 mourners, a testament to the lasting impact of the Robin Hood figure he had fashioned for himself.
