488: Frank Bourassa | The World’s Greatest Counterfeiter Part One

Early Ventures

Frank Bourassa's journey into crime began in high school, where he capitalized on stolen goods by acting as a middleman. He quickly realized the potential for profit, making more money than his parents by selling stolen clothes 1. Frank's entrepreneurial spirit was evident even in his youth, as he transitioned from selling clothes to car parts, always finding ways to maximize profit 2. Despite his criminal activities, Frank had a seemingly perfect childhood with supportive parents, which he credits for his determination and problem-solving skills 3.

I had the best parents in the world. I really did. And there were law-abiding people.

--- Frank Bourassa

His early ventures laid the foundation for his later, more ambitious criminal endeavors.

   

Turning to Crime

Frank's transition to counterfeiting was driven by a relentless pursuit of financial success. After realizing that traditional business ventures weren't yielding the desired results, he decided to cut out the middleman and print his own money 4. This decision was a culmination of years of searching for a lucrative opportunity that didn't involve the risks associated with drug trafficking 5. Frank's meticulous approach to counterfeiting involved creating $250 million in perfect US $20 bills, a feat that required avoiding detection at all costs 6.

Doing it good a hundred percent of the time and never failing.

--- Frank Bourassa

His story highlights the lengths to which he went to achieve his goals, ultimately leading to his arrest and a brief stint in prison.