Another interesting tail, an interview with the first Mr. Softee operator in China: http://arithegreat.com/ari-shaffirs-skeptic-tank-221-mistu-s...

The operator tells stories of how the local workers did everything possible to skim, copy, and swindle; the money quote for me was something like, "If you want real honest-to-god free market capitalism, go to China."

I've got a friend in the packaging business over here. Was a babe in the woods until he found the agencies working with him on sourcing taking an extra cut of $125,000 kickback from the factories (on top of their negotiated fees). No honor among thieves.

I wouldn't consider that theft because it's common dealing with China knowledge that kickbacks are involved especially depending on who you work with. Being paid by both parties are not uncommon for an agent.

Not the one you're looking for, but 'Brits get rich in China' is in a similar vein:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSHax1Dic1o

Possibly a better quality copy out there in torrentland...