Understanding the sophistication of Bourdin’s preparation helps explain why the deception lasted as long as it did.

He researched Nicholas Barclay through every available channel.

Missing persons databases contained photographs and physical descriptions.

News accounts of the disappearance contained family details.

The conversations he had with the National Center and with family members before Carey’s arrival in Spain provided additional specifics.

He knew Nicholas had blue eyes — which he could not match with his own brown eyes, producing the explanation about chemical injections.

He knew Nicholas’s approximate height and build — which he could match reasonably closely after three years, accounting for growth.