The Mob is just using a refined model based on loan-sharking. Find a moderately appealing business hook (diamonds, processing or medical cures). Rescue or set up a penny company with a CEO who has drug, alcohol or gambling "problems" in return for practical control of the company. Indulge his vices in LV and milk the company dry as repayment.
Everybody but the stuckholders wins. The financiers, consultants, front men (like Edwards and the Tomassos), and watchdogs (like Maheu) and the CEO. Even the paid pumpers make out OK.
Only if the feds go after the CEO or a front man will there be any substantial risk. Then, because of who the CEO and front men have been dealing with, they will surely take the 5th and/or flee or quietly toddle off to prison because it was a "good run" and they have had time to bury their share of the proceeds looted from the company.
IMO, all of this is very, very obvious. ... eom
