Matthew Cox | Inside True Crime Podcast Most Wanted Counterfeiter Reveals His Secrets! | The Art of Making Money
Jan 18, 2026
Arthur Williams Jr., a former most-wanted counterfeiter turned artist and author, delves into his tumultuous journey from a chaotic childhood to mastering the art of high-quality counterfeit currency. He shares fascinating insights on his criminal mentorship, innovative techniques for avoiding detection, and the risks of his operation. Arthur also discusses his spiritual transformation, challenges in prison, and eventual pivot to a legitimate art career, culminating in his success at high-profile events like Art Basel.
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Weight And UV Tricks To Fool Dealers
- Arthur engineered bills to weigh exactly one gram so drug dealers could verify stacks by scale, which helped circulate his notes in drug markets.
- He also learned to defeat counting machines and later added UV/magnetic features to pass casino and machine checks.
House Of Blues Bust And Legal Fight
- Arthur got arrested at the House of Blues when a bartender snitched after overhearing talk; Secret Service found stacked bills hidden in towels and weed on the table.
- He used an illegal-search defense (photos and sworn deposition from security) to get the case dismissed initially, then later faced federal action.
Secret Service Negotiation And Stall Tactics
- A Secret Service agent (later named Brad) negotiated, helped release Arthur's wife's sister, and stalled to avoid exposing Arthur's shop location while seeking cooperation.
- Arthur stalled to protect his shop; Secret Service eventually raided and he later faced federal charges.