A US television network is reportedly creating a drama series with Star Trek actor John Cho about a con artist who dupes wealthy collectors into buying fake versions of the world's rarest wines.
Star Trek’s John Cho has been lined up to play the lead character in the series, named Connoisseur, according to US publication Variety. NBC is set to air it on its USA Network.
A spokesperson for NBC could not be immediately reached for comment.
The move comes after a spate of high profile fine wine fraud cases in the US.
John Cho is reported to be lined up for the lead role in Connoisseur. Credit: Wikipedia / Charlie Nguyen
In Connoisseur, Cho plays a character called Clay Park who is originally from South Korea, reported Variety.
He starts by tricking collectors into paying millions of dollars for fake wine. But, he ends up entangled with an organised crime gang.
The idea for the show follows recent FBI investigations into counterfeit fine wines.
Rudy Kurniawan counterfeit wines meet their end in Texas. Credit: US Marshalls
Rudy Kurniawan is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence for making and selling millions of dollars-worth of copycat fine wines in his Los Angeles kitchen.
Earlier this month, John Fox, owner of California’s Premier Cru retailer, turned himself in to the FBI and admitted conning customers out of at least $45m.
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