Max Schmidt: The Real-Life Drug Kingpin Behind "How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast)"
- Author: Sarah Stendel
- Reading Time: +- 3 Mins
Unveiling the Authentic Account Behind 'Selling Drugs Online in Record Time' - Unveiling the Unvarnished Tale of "Selling Drugs Online: A Speedy Guide"
Max Schmidt, aka "Shiny Flakes," made millions selling drugs online all from his bedroom in Leipzig. He was just 18 when he became a criminal, peddling nearly a ton of drugs through his website, and was caught and sentenced to seven years in prison in 2015. His story served as the basis for the Netflix series "How To Sell Drugs Online (Fast)" and a 2021 Netflix documentary.
Max's Meth Moneymaker Tale
Netflix presents Max's story in his own words, from stumbled upon a drug website one night to scaling it up to epic proportions. Max talks candidly about his criminal activities, even with a hint of pride in his voice when discussing the intricate details that made his operation successful, such as using the postal workers as couriers.
Max is an unusual kind of criminal; he never consumed drugs himself, didn't blow his millions on luxury items, and worked non-stop on his business, from the tech to packaging and shipping. "The biggest thrill was just seeing it grow," he says. He comes across as a calculated, analytical entrepreneur cooly detached from the madness.
Shady Salesman Documentary
The doc follows Schmidt's story closely, but the visuals often mirror that of the fictionalized "How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast)," with flashing pill scenes set to thumping techno beats, making it seem more glamorous than it was. They even go as far as reenacting scenes in a rebuilt childhood bedroom, making it feel like Schmidt is acting.
But the doc also provides commentary from the police and courts. A psychologist's words stand out, describing Schmidt as someone who was highly calculating, had no qualms, and felt he was in complete control - "that's dangerous." It's clear that Max isn't your average Leipzig resident; he courted danger and controlled it with an icy precision.
Max Money Mystery
It's unclear how much Schmidt currently has, but he feels no remorse for his actions. He was released from prison early in 2019 and allegations of new online drug operations have surfaced, even leading to fresh legal proceedings. As of 2023, Schmidt remains at large, with a new trial date yet to be set.
Other Television Appearances
A documentary titled "Shiny Flakes: The Teenage Drug Lord" was released on Netflix in July 2021. The film delves deep into Schmidt's life and his rise to becoming a teenage drug lord.
The Inspiration Behind "How To Sell Drugs Online (Fast)"
The Netflix series "How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast)" borrows elements from Schmidt's life, but the character Moritz Zimmermann and his online drug operation share only similarities with Schmidt's life. The series expands on these events with its own narrative and characters.
- Despite being released early from prison in 2019, Max Schmidt's alleged involvement in new online drug operations has led to fresh legal proceedings, indicating that the average Leipzig resident's life may not be as ordinary as it seems.
- The Netflix series "How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast)" was inspired by Max Schmidt's story, but the character Moritz Zimmermann's online drug operation bears only similarities to Schmidt's life, as the series adds its own narrative and characters to the story.
- In the Netflix docuseries "How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast)", Schmidt explains his meteoric rise in the drug trade, discussing his operation's intricate details with a hint of pride, similar to how a successful entrepreneur would discuss their business ventures.
