Anthony Strangis Story 2025: The Truth Behind the “Meat Suit” Story

Anthony Strangis, widely known by his alias Shane Fox, is once again under public scrutiny in 2025 following the release of the documentary Surviving, Strangis. The new film brings renewed attention to the con artist featured in Netflix’s 2022 series Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives, especially focusing on his life post-divorce from vegan restaurateur Sarma Melngailis.

Strangis had tricked Sarma with bizarre stories — claiming to be centuries old, living in a “meat suit,” and even promising eternal life for her and her dog Leon — while secretly draining her business finances.

Deception and Fraud: A $1.2 Million Scam

Between 2011 and 2014, Strangis gained Sarma’s trust and gradually took control of her business, Pure Food and Wine. He convinced her to transfer over $1.2 million, which was later spent on gambling, luxury items, travel, and Uber rides.

Behind the scenes, Strangis employed manipulation tactics like gaslighting, love-bombing, and emotional control, creating what experts now call a clear case of coercive abuse.

Mystery Around His Early Life

Very little is publicly known about Anthony Strangis’s background, including his childhood, education, or real age. Reports confirm he’s of American-European origin, but official records remain unclear. When he connected with Sarma through Twitter in 2011, he had already adopted false identities and fabricated stories, including Navy SEAL affiliations and metaphysical powers.

Arrested After a Pizza Order

The couple’s escape ended in May 2016 in Tennessee, when Strangis was caught after ordering Domino’s pizza under his real name. In 2017, he pleaded guilty to four counts of grand larceny, receiving a 1-year jail sentence and 5 years’ probation. He was released the same year. Sarma received four months in jail and probation after being charged with tax fraud and grand theft.

Life After Jail: A Low Profile in 2025

Following his release, Strangis disappeared from the public eye. His lawyer told E! News, “He’s remorseful for the people at the restaurant that lost money and he took full responsibility.” He’s reportedly working a regular job and staying out of the media.

However, the 2025 docuseries Surviving, Strangis shows a tense phone call with Sarma, in which he says: “I’m not someone to be fisted with,” revealing he still exerts emotional pressure.

Why the Story Still Matters in 2025

The scandal continues to capture attention because it blends themes of manipulation, trust, power, and fraud. The latest documentary adds depth to the original Netflix series and sheds light on issues like gaslighting and financial abuse in romantic relationships.

FAQs on Anthony Strangis – 2025 Update

Who is Anthony Strangis?
An American con man who manipulated vegan businesswoman Sarma Melngailis into giving him over $1.2 million, all under bizarre claims of immortality and power.

Is he on Wikipedia?
He’s mentioned in articles about Bad Vegan and Sarma, but does not have a dedicated Wikipedia page as of 2025.

Did he respond to the new documentary?
No public rebuttals, though he is heard warning Sarma not to appear in the film.

What’s Sarma doing now?
Living in Harlem with her dog Leon, she remains active online and speaks about coercive control and justice reform.

Were more charges filed against Strangis?
No. His only convictions were for grand larceny in 2017, and he completed probation by 2022.