Ridiculous Crime

It's an excellent idea -- hijack a poorly-guarded mail truck. But what if it's just full of junk mail and postcards? Then it wouldn't merit a mention on Ridiculous Crime, now would it? It was full of cash, baby! In response, the police rounded up the usual suspects…and even went after their cats.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A story about hundreds of rare birds, some British naturalists, one of the wealthiest families in the world, and the young American musician who planned to steal the rare collection and sell them on the black market, so he could buy himself a golden flute. It sounds like a fairy tale for felons!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You've heard this name. You may have even used it. The name makes you think of relaxation, luxury, cheesiness, and sexy times. And if we do our job right, every time you hear this word from now on, you'll think of crime. Come with us as we follow the story of an immigrant family dead set on making a name for themselves. And oh, how they did.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The name Milli Vanilli is now synonmous with a hoax –– but at one time, their heavily-accented pop stardom fooled the whole world. That is, until the truth won out, and when it did it wrecked their money-making illusion. But who were Milli Vanilli, which one was Milli and which one was Vanilli, why did they think they could con the world with well-produced pop songs, and why can't Zaron do a French accent? Learn the answers to all these questions and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crazy Eddie had a slew of stores selling cheap electronics, touted by infectious advertising. Like the universe itself, the Crazy Eddie empire expanded exponentially. Money flowed, celebrities orbited, good times rolled. But then, like a capitalist black hole, it all imploded. So long, Crazy Eddie. Godspeed, you crooked warrior.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Italian carmaker Ferrari is known worldwide for the the elegant look, the unique sound, and insane speed and eye-catching design of its sports cars. Some Ferraris are prized as much as works of art by renowned masters. Tom Baker was an American man, with a very curious hobby. Some people collect stamps, others trade collectibles. Tom Baker liked to steal Ferraris from luxury automobile dealerships. And he was surprisingly good at it –– until Det. Joe Hess was put on the trail of elusive Ferrari thief.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Los Angeles, the bank robbery capital of the world. When bank robberies are commonplace, it takes an inventive heist team to stand out. That's exactly what the Hole in the Ground Gang did. They lifted their profile by lowering their operations. Right down into the sewers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Long before he was one of America's most beloved TV dads, TIm Allen was an inmate in federal prison. He was busted on major cocaine charges. Forget Jay Z, Tim Allen was pushing real weight in those days before he found fame. And he kinda paid a price for it; but it definitely made him the man and superstar he is today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan Lewan was a man with a dream. He wanted to bring Poland to America, whether it was through music, travel, or delightful merchandise. He also had a dream that selling unregistered securities was a solid road to riches. Turns out, it was a solid road to the clink. Who cares. Everybody polka!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A world-famous physics professor fell in love with a world-famous bikini model. The professor obeyed the Laws of Newton, but not the laws of the land. His strange criminal escapade escaped the bounds of all logic when he was caught at an airport smuggling kilos of cocaine and he landed in an Argentinian prison. As the professor knew, every action has a reaction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.