The French Cigarette Pack Scam

In this thrilling episode of "Crime Time, Inc.", the hosts take us back to 1973 at the glamorous Casino du Ville in France, where a team orchestrates an incredibly sophisticated scam. The story revolves around a game of roulette, which is designed to be purely random. However, this team found a way to control the outcome using cutting-edge technology of the time. The operation hinges on Monique Laurent's brother, a croupier at the casino, who ingeniously modifies a roulette ball to contain a tiny radio receiver, allowing them to influence the ball's final bounce using a hidden transmitter inside a Marlboro cigarette pack. As Monique and her team pull off the scam, they win increasingly large sums, catching the attention of the casino owner. The owner's infatuation with Monique and his growing suspicion lead to their eventual downfall, culminating in a dramatic reveal when Monique cannot produce a cigarette from her modified pack. This case exposed the vulnerabilities in casino security and prompted significant advancements in anti-cheating measures. Despite their elaborate plan, the legal repercussions for Monique and her team were surprisingly lenient. Monique's fascination with casinos persisted, leading her to relocate to Las Vegas. Their story underscores both the ingenuity involved in cheat schemes and the ever-evolving measures taken by casinos to ensure fair play.

00:00 Introduction to the French Casino Scam

00:16 The Ingenious Plan Unfolds

00:35 The Role of Technology in the Scam

01:59 Monique's Key Role and the Cigarette Pack

03:52 Casino's Suspicion and Investigation

05:39 The Casino Owner's Infatuation

07:42 The Scam Unravels

09:46 Aftermath and Legacy of the Scam

12:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

About Crime Time Inc.

Season 5 of Crime Time Inc. broadens its reach across two sides of the Atlantic.

This season features cases from Scotland and across the wider UK — rooted in real investigative experience — alongside deep dives into some of the most infamous murder cases in American history.

Hosted by former detectives Simon and Tom, with experience in both the UK and the United States, including time working alongside the FBI, the show strips away sensationalism to explain how crime and justice really work.

Two crime worlds. One podcast.

New episodes released regularly throughout the season.

Our Website: https://crimetimeinc.com/

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