Josef “Harry” Jelínek was a Czech con artist and a notorious fixer, known for his outrageous scams during the interwar period in Czechoslovakia. Renowned for his audacious exploits, Jelínek made a name for himself by selling things he didn’t own and pulling off swindles that captivated public imagination.

One of his most famous scams reportedly involved selling Karlštejn Castle, a prominent Gothic castle located southwest of Prague. This audacious endeavor is often compared to Victor Lustig’s infamous sales of the Eiffel Tower. Jelínek’s charisma and gift for persuasion allowed him to convincingly present himself as a legitimate agent, thus successfully duping unsuspecting victims into parting with their money.

Jelínek lived a colorful life. He was adept at creating and maintaining a facade of legitimacy, often ingratiating himself with Czechoslovakia’s elite and imitating the lifestyle of a well-to-do individual. He frequently entertained wealthy guests, helping to bolster his facade of affluence and connections.

Beyond his scams, Jelínek also held various occupations throughout his life, dabbling in journalism and writing. His bold personality and antics were consumer fodder for gossip columns and tabloids, further entrenching his status as a celebrity con artist.

Despite multiple run-ins with the law, Jelínek’s knack for evasion kept him out of prison for much of his life. However, the onset of World War II and the subsequent societal upheaval marked a significant downturn in his fortunes. The dramatic changes in the geopolitical landscape during and after the war rendered his usual activities perilous and unsustainable.

Ultimately, while his name remains infamous largely due to the legend surrounding the sale of Karlštejn Castle, much of what is known about Jelínek is shrouded in folklore. The blurring of reality and myth, often driven by his own storytelling and posthumous embellishments, contribute significantly to his mystique.

Though his exploits were criminal in nature, Josef “Harry” Jelínek is remembered as an ingenious figure whose life reflects the complex interplay of charisma, audacity, and deception—a testament to the quintessential art of the con. His story serves as a fascinating chapter in the annals of Czechoslovak history, exemplifying the enduring human fascination with grifters and rogues.