The supposed wealth of the Harlequins is a commonly accepted legend that seems to have been influenced by Von Ritter's book on the Templars. Like many Harlequin stories it doesn't correspond to reality. It should be noted that any Harlequin wealth could never compare to the economic resources of the Tabulas – a group that is sponsored by international corporations and governments. Harlequin income is based on the opportunities available to anyone with free access to false identification and smuggling routes. I-NO, an Internet author, has stated that 80 percent of the illegal Cuban cigars available in the United States from 1970-1995 came from a Harlequin smuggling scheme.