Seidelbaum was an undercover law enforcement officer who presented himself as a money launderer. Through unknown means Manny Ribera learned of Seidelbaum's (false) reputation as a banker. Tony had a falling out with Jerry (Banker), his original financial advisor, after Jerry raised his prices for laundering Tony's drug money when the profits of Tony's drug business expanded. Jerry was nonchalant about Tony's disagreement over the rate changes and warning he would withdraw his business, saying most offshore banks in the Caribbean are unreliable and/or in places of political unrest. Manny recommended Tony contact Seidelbaum, as his rates were lower than Jerry's. Tony agreed to such a meeting, and figured by name alone Seidelbaum must be a skilled money man. When they first met Seidelbaum est