Yes, but without the Emerald Mines he wouldn't have enough money to be in a position where he could tell lies on that scale. Stealing is a lot easier when you already have a ton of cash.

No one's going to listen to a crazed drunken hobo when he tries to sell you a timeshare, but if a guy tripping balls on cocaine wearing a nice suit with a proper haircut promises you the literal god damn moon... Well that's a different story now isn't it?

It's not the lie itself, it's the image you have while telling the lie.

If you see a man's face and name on a billboard, then see that same man telling you he can spin hay into gold, you believe him. Because how could he have that fancy billboard if he couldn't?

Also Pump and dumps aren't illegal anymore