In 1973, 16-year-old John Paul Getty III, grandson of billionaire oil tycoon J. Paul Getty, was kidnapped in Rome. The kidnappers demanded $17 million, but his grandfather initially refused, suspecting the abduction might be a hoax. The situation escalated dramatically when the kidnappers mailed the boy’s severed ear to a newspaper. Only then did Getty agree to pay a portion — $2.2 million — and loaned the rest to the boy’s father with interest. John Paul was eventually released after five month

1973: Proof of desperation! John Paul Getty III's kidnappers mailed his severed right ear to a Rome newspaper. Why? To convince his multi-millionaire grandfather, J. Paul Getty, to finally pay the ransom. Initially, the family suspected a prank. After months and a ransom reduction from $17 million to $2.9 million, Getty Sr. relented, but only loaned the money to his son at 4% interest. Talk about a 'loan shark'! Getty Sr. reportedly haggled with the kidnappers over the ransom amount, arguing it