Largest Counterfeiter Of Us Currency
When people ask Who was the largest counterfeiter of U.S. currency?, the surprising answer points not to a notorious gang boss or Cold War spy, but to a Canadian named Frank Bourassa. He masterminded an operation that produced nearly a quarterbillion dollars in fake $20 bills before authorities intervened. Understanding this case offers insight into how modern counterfeiting can outpace traditional crime through technical savvy, cunning planning, and exploiting global supply chains to replicate official currency.
The Man Behind the Most Prolific U.S. Counterfeiting Operation
Frank Bourassa operated in Quebec, Canada, between about 2008 and 2010. He set up an illegal printing press on a rural farm, using genuine currency paper and advanced equipment to produce approximately **$250 million** in fake U.S. currency mostly $20 bills.
His facility was sophisticated: he ordered custom cottonlinen banknote paper from Europe, including watermarks and security strips reading USA TWENTY. He also acquired specialized offset printing machinery estimated to cost over $300,000 that could match U.S. printing quality to a startling degree.
How Bourassa Built His Counterfeiting Empire
Bourassa began by minimizing suspicion posing as a legitimate business ordering secure bond paper. European suppliers, unfamiliar with authentic U.S. banknote composition, supplied him with near-perfect materials. He then added microcopy, watermarks, and covert strips, producing bills that evaded typical detection tests.
After printing approximately 12.5 million phony $20 bills, he sold them at about 30% of face value meaning he would have netted roughly $75 million in real currency if fully successful.
Why Bourassa Tops the Records
- He is recognized by *Guinness World Records* as the largest counterfeiting operation by an individual.
- His output of $250 million dwarfed earlier major rings.
- He achieved near-undetectable quality through clever sourcing and printing techniques.
Earlier Notable Counterfeiters
While Bourassa holds the top spot, several operatives from history shaped U.S. counterfeiting records:
Francisco Mario Scocozza Ring (1988 NYC Operation)
In 198688, a criminal enterprise led by Francisco Scocozza printed an estimated **$100 million** in counterfeit currency, leading to the arrest of 85 people across multiple cities. Approximately $36.5 million in fake notes was seized in one of the largest busts ever by the U.S. Secret Service.
Albert Talton (Inkjet Counterfeiter)
Operating in the early 2000s, Talton used consumer office inkjet printers and newsprint to produce **around $7 million** worth of $100 bills. They circulated widely before his arrest in 2008 and eventual conviction in 2009.
Art Williams Jr.
Arthur J. Williams Jr., an American counterfeiter, famously cracked the security features of the 1996 redesign of the $100 bill. Over time he produced over **$10 million** in fake currency. Williams used starch-free directory paper and innovative stamping techniques to mimic color-shifting ink and microprinting.
Emerich Juettner (Mister 880)
Between 1938 and 1948, Juettner used simple homemade prints to circulate **about $7,000** in counterfeit $1 bills around New York. He became famous not for scale but for elusiveness passing poorly made bills in small amounts, one at a time. He was eventually arrested and served a brief sentence.
What Made Bourassa Unique?
Several factors set Bourassa apart from most counterfeiters:
- **Scale**: $250 million in fake currency far surpassed typical criminal output.
- **Quality**: Near legit bills that evaded inkdetection pens and cashier scrutiny.
- **Global sourcing**: He procured custom currency paper, watermarks, strips from Europe.
- **Business model**: He planned a distribution network selling counterfeit notes to purchasers for criminal gain.
The Downfall and Legal Outcome
Authorities eventually infiltrated Bourassa’s network. He was arrested in May 2012 by Canadian agents. Facing extradition to the United States, he turned over almost $200 million in counterfeit bills as part of a plea deal. Remarkably, he served only about six weeks in jail before release. He later rebranded himself as a security consultant, working to prevent fraud rather than commit it.
Broader Lessons from the Greatest U.S. Counterfeiting Case
The Role of Technology and Globalization
Bourassa’s case illustrates how modern counterfeiters leverage global supply chains, advanced printing, and subtle security features. As printing tools, digital imaging, and courier services become more accessible, counterfeit schemes can scale at historically unprecedented levels.
The Secret Service and Currency Security
The U.S. Secret Service continues to intercept millions in fake bills annually. In 2023, it seized **over $21 million** in counterfeit currency and arrested nearly 200 individuals. Despite advanced bill designs featuring color-shifting ink, security threads, and watermarks, high-level counterfeit operations still emerge.
The Need for Vigilance
Frank Bourassa’s rise and fall highlights the ongoing battle to preserve currency integrity. Constant updates to banknote features, tighter monitoring of global paper supply chains, and robust detection systems are critical to thwart sophisticated attempts at forging U.S. currency.
When asked who the largest counterfeiter of U.S. currency was, history points to Frank Bourassa a Canadian who printed an astonishing $250 million in fake U.S. dollars, using near-perfect materials and devices. His operation remains the largest for an individual by output and sophistication. Though others like Scocozza’s ring, Talton, and Art Williams Jr. made headlines for their methods, none matched Bourassa’s scale or technical proficiency.
This story underscores the evolving nature of financial crime and the critical importance of advanced prevention, coordination among international agencies, and public awareness to keep counterfeit currency from undermining economic trust.