this morning, kevin trudeau is being held in this federal facility in chicago, until he can prove he'se he owes. >> the u.s. government is really scared of me. they're trying to put me in jail. they fine me $37 million. >> reporter: in a 2008 civil judgment, the federal trade commission found that his promotions for this best-selling weight loss book, are full of misleading claims. >> i wrote this book. >> reporter: the man known to live large, from his chateau in switzerland, to the bling on his finger, has been trying to convince the court, he's been broke ever since. >> i don't have $37 million hidden some place. if they can find $37 million, pop the champagne. good luck. >> he embarks on an elaborate plan to hide assets, creating companies, largely offshore, in his wife's name. >> reporter: trudeau submitted the documents to the court on monday, proof that he has few assets left. in this october 19th letter to his estranged wife, he implores her to turn over any assets they once schafered. if you have the patek cufflinks, you must immediately turn them over, he writes. hundred, i a