John Factor may have been the lesser-known Factor brother, but that didn't stop him from weaving his way through history. Haircuts, Chicago mobsters, London cons, whiskey scams, Vegas casinos, and even JFK. The tale of John Factor is a wild ride through the 20th century's criminal underbelly.

John Factor may have been the lesser-known Factor brother, but that didn't stop him from weaving his way through history. Haircuts, Chicago mobsters, London cons, whiskey scams, Vegas casinos, and even JFK. The tale of John Factor is a wild ride through the 20th century's criminal underbelly.

True Crime is more than blood, guts, mayhem, and murder. Zaron Burnett and Elizabeth Dutton share outlandish tales of capers, heists, and cons that shine a light on the absurd and outrageous side of criminality. Always 99% murder-free and 100% ridiculous, this is Ridiculous Crime, a podcast by iHeartRadio.

Ridiculous Crime

The Butcher Gets a Pardon: John Factor

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/5c842f9a-1078-4765-9782-b060014cd7ea/transcript

He fought for freedom, not just for his native Spain but for oppressed people worldwide. With his strong believe that, "the keystone of existence is doing right by one's neighbor," his subversive tactics used the tools of system against itself: fake passports and counterfeit cash. Oh, and phony traveler's checks, which is how he ran afoul of one of the largest banks in the world. But leave it to Lucio to get the last laugh.

He fought for freedom, not just for his native Spain but for oppressed people worldwide. With his strong believe that, "the keystone of existence is doing right by one's neighbor," his subversive tactics used the tools of system against itself: fake passports and counterfeit cash. Oh, and phony traveler's checks, which is how he ran afoul of one of the largest banks in the world. But leave it to Lucio to get the last laugh.

It's an Honor to Rob a Bank: Lucio Urtubia

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/3e0aff93-8da0-4846-b576-b4b2015a18ea/transcript

The name of their crime crew was certainly unfortunate. Like, who would wanna be known as The Black Tuna Gang? But their crimes, however, are legendary. Long before cocaine became synonymous with Colombia and Miami, these quasi-hippie drug smugglers set the mold. They showed all who came after them how to build an international smuggling empire and earn millions off of Colombia's original cash crop, that sticky-icky South American reefer. Their run didn't last terribly long because they seemingly did everything with a ridiculous amount of unearned confidence and a love of rash decisions. But while it lasted, oh what a run they had!

The name of their crime crew was certainly unfortunate. Like, who would wanna be known as The Black Tuna Gang? But their crimes, however, are legendary. Long before cocaine became synonymous with Colombia and Miami, these quasi-hippie drug smugglers set the mold. They showed all who came after them how to build an international smuggling empire and earn millions off of Colombia's original cash crop, that sticky-icky South American reefer. Their run didn't last terribly long because they seemingly did everything with a ridiculous amount of unearned confidence and a love of rash decisions. But while it lasted, oh what a run they had!

Before Cocaine Cartels, There Was The Black Tuna Gang

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/e63b91ce-221a-49b9-892c-b4b00176c03b/transcript

Humans are fascinated by two things and two things only in this life: space and keepsakes. That’s it. The astronauts of the Apollo 15 mission knew this, so they took a LOT of stamped envelopes to the moon. You know, for the sake of both science and commerce. This was, however, against the rules. Who cares! To commemorative stamp sales…and beyond!

Humans are fascinated by two things and two things only in this life: space and keepsakes. That&rsquo;s it. The astronauts of the Apollo 15 mission knew this, so they took a LOT of stamped envelopes to the moon. You know, for the sake of both science and commerce. This was, however, against the rules. Who cares! To commemorative stamp sales&hellip;and beyond!

Philately Will Get You Nowhere: The Apollo 15 Postal Cover Scandal

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/2074638b-ef31-4df3-9979-b4ab0150bb7e/transcript

The Butcher Gets a Pardon: John Factor

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