The scam could only continue with the aid of politicians. Big banks told their employees to donate money to the politicians (and later paid them back the money they 'donated'). Or they gave away 'gifts' like Superbol Tickets and limo-treatments. The politicians receive the money/gifts after which they will "advice the City or County" what bank is to handle the swap-deals. There turned out to be $66 return for every dollar the banks 'invested' in the politicians.