Canada has seen its share of counterfeiters through history, but one name stands out as the most notorious: Frank Bourassa. Operating from Québec, Bourassa orchestrated the largest individual counterfeiting operation ever recorded, crafting up to $250 million in nearly undetectable fake U.S. $20 bills. His audacious success forced law enforcement on both sides of the border to reevaluate how they could stop such sophisticated forgery. The story of Frank Bourassa reveals not only criminal ingenuity, but also legal loopholes and surprising outcomes.
Frank Bourassa: The Biggest Counterfeiter in Canadian History
Between approximately 2008 and 2010, Frank Bourassa set up an illegal printing operation on a farm near TroisRivières, Québec. Using specialized cottonlinen paper, watermarks, security strips, and precision equipment, he produced about 12.5 million counterfeit U.S. twentydollar bills totaling around $250 million in face value..
How the Scheme Operated
Bourassa invested roughly $325,000 CAD to launch his counterfeit business. He allegedly used internet research to study official U.S. currency security features and opted to focus on $20 bills less scrutinized than larger denominations. He sold the bills overseas or in foreign markets at around 30 cents on the dollar to avoid detection at home.
Detection and Arrest
In May 2012, an undercover operation led to Bourassa’s arrest. Agents caught him passing counterfeit bills through an intermediary associated with heavy equipment trafficking. RCMP also raided his home and found printing presses, foilstamping equipment, nearly a million dollars in fake bills, and other tools of the trade.
Legal Outcome and Controversy
Despite the vast scale of his operation, Bourassa served only six weeks in jail and paid a nominal fine. He negotiated an agreement in which he surrendered nearly $200 million in counterfeit notes and relevant equipment in exchange for dropped charges and avoided extradition to the U.S…
Unusual Deal and Public Reaction
The lenient outcome sparked debate. Many questioned how someone responsible for such a large criminal enterprise could escape with so little punishment. While legally permissible under Canadian prosecutorial discretion, the deal remains controversial in the context of international crime.
Other Noteworthy Counterfeiting Cases in Canada
Wesley Wayne Weber
In the early 2000s, Wesley Wayne Weber from Ontario produced highquality counterfeit Canadian $100 notes (the 1986 Birds of Canada series). His bills circulated widely across Ontario and parts of the U.S. Before his arrest, nearly 10% of retailers in some regions refused to accept $100 bills due to suspicion. Over time, about $7.7 million CAD worth of Weber’s counterfeit notes were identified in circulation.
Historic Forgery by Edwin Johnson
Going back to the late 19th century, Edwin Johnson and his family operated alongside Canada’s first detective, John Wilson Murray. Between 1880 and earlier years, Johnson distributed over $1 million in counterfeit bank notes across Ontario. His operation involved intricate engraving and a family network of forgers. The RCMP recovered printing plates buried underground, cementing Johnson’s legacy as Canada’s first major counterfeiter.
Structural and Technological Trends in Canadian Currency Fraud
Counterfeiting in Canada peaked in the early 2000s. Advances in desktop publishing, color photocopying, and inkjet technology made it easier for criminals to replicate older banknote designs. Demand for simple $10 and $20 bills with weaker security features surged. In 2004, counterfeit Canadian notes reached record levels before new note series and security measures reduced the problem.
Law Enforcement Response
The RCMP launched Project Ophir in the mid2000s, successfully dismantling a major counterfeiting ring responsible for more than $6 million in fake notes. This effort earned recognition from the Bank of Canada with awards for counterfeit deterrence and contributed to the creation of Integrated Counterfeit Enforcement Teams in major cities.
Why Frank Bourassa’s Case Stands Out
- He holds the Guinness World Record for largest counterfeiting operation by an individual in history ($250 million USD).
- The quality of his counterfeit currency was so high it fooled banks and governments until spread detection methods caught up.
- His negotiation deal, surrendering massive counterfeit assets in exchange for release, is highly unusual in cross-border crime.
Modern Lessons and Legacy
Although Bourassa’s case involved U.S. currency, not Canadian bills, it forced Canadian and international authorities to reconsider counterfeiting threats and cross-border enforcement. It also highlighted the risks of sophisticated forgery and gaps in legislation governing international fraud. After the crackdown on his operation, counterfeiting rates in Canada dropped dramatically, thanks to stronger currency design and persistent law enforcement efforts.
When discussing the biggest counterfeiter in Canadian history, Frank Bourassa’s name dominates. His massive operation, uncanny success, and nearly consequencefree outcome make his story extraordinary. While others like Wesley Weber and Edwin Johnson also left their mark on Canada’s counterfeiting history, Bourassa’s scale, complexity, and aftermath secure his notorious reputation. His case continues to serve as a cautionary tale about the sophistication of modern financial fraud and the importance of vigilance, security enhancements, and international law enforcement cooperation.
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