

489: Frank Bourassa | The World’s Greatest Counterfeiter Part Two
Apr 1, 2021
Join former counterfeiter Frank Bourassa, who funneled $250 million into the U.S. economy with his masterfully crafted fake $20 bills. He shares the art and science of counterfeiting, from researching currency to the bartering of trust within criminal circles. Frank reflects on his motivations, the surprising startup costs of his operation, and what it takes to manage a crew while evading law enforcement. Now defunct, he uses his skills to catch others in the act, shedding light on the world of crime with humor and insight.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Pre-selling Counterfeit Currency
- Frank Bourassa pre-sold his counterfeit money to avoid getting stuck with unusable currency.
- He targeted established criminal networks where trust and reputation were paramount.
Counterfeiting vs. Drug Dealing
- Cocaine smugglers hesitated to handle counterfeit money, finding it riskier than drugs.
- Counterfeiting carries harsher penalties and attracts more attention from authorities.
Product Testing
- Test your product thoroughly before widespread distribution.
- Frank Bourassa distributed free samples of his counterfeit money to ensure its quality.