1129: Russ Swain | The Good Mormon Who Made Bad Money

Diamond Dust

Russ Swain's ingenuity in counterfeiting currency is exemplified by his use of diamond dust to mimic the texture of real bills. He discovered that mixing diamond dust into the ink created a texture similar to new currency, a breakthrough that fueled his creative drive 1. This innovation was part of a broader pattern of creative problem-solving, where Swain's artistic talents were repurposed for illicit activities 2. As he put it, "In any kind of creative endeavor, you always look for that one area that creates the magic. And that diamond dust was that little part that created magic" 1.

   

Serial Numbers

Creating realistic serial numbers for counterfeit bills posed a significant challenge for Russ. He meticulously crafted six different serial numbers to avoid detection, ensuring no more than six bills with the same number were passed in one location 3. This attention to detail was part of a broader strategy to minimize risk and maximize the thrill of the operation 4. Swain's approach to counterfeiting was not just about deception but also about the adrenaline rush it provided, as he noted, "I was slowly getting addicted to my own body chemistry of adrenaline, that rush" 4.

   

Materials & Design

The choice of materials and design was crucial in creating convincing counterfeit currency. Swain used 100% rag paper, similar in texture to real currency, and matched the ink color to achieve authenticity 5. His background in graphic design and printing provided the skills necessary to execute this complex operation, although it eventually led to his downfall 6. Despite the legal consequences, Swain's creativity was acknowledged even by law enforcement, with a Secret Service agent arguing that his actions demonstrated "creative intent" rather than purely criminal intent 7.