The Most Prolific Paper Money Counterfeiter in History: A Closer Look

In the world of paper money counterfeiting, the counterfeiters who produce billions of dollars annually are often state-actors rather than individual criminals. Their operations are extensive, involving state-of-the-art machinery and networks for both production and distribution. However, one of the most notorious counterfeiters in history remains shrouded in mystery. This article delves into the history and operations of these prolific counterfeiters, with a focus on the most common target: the superdollars.

The Nature of Counterfeit Production

A significant challenge in the realm of paper money counterfeiting lies in the quality and production methods used. While individual criminals may produce millions in false currency through manual or less sophisticated means, true experts in this field produce billions of fake dollars with machinery and techniques that mimic the government's own presses. For instance, North Korea has been known to produce highly sophisticated counterfeit 100-dollar bills using similar production lines as the government. These bills are of such high quality that they are only distinguishable from their real counterparts when examined by high-tech machines that can detect ink discrepancies.

Famous Counterfeiting Operations

One of the most notorious counterfeiting operations involves Operation Bernhard, which occurred during World War II. However, the operations carried out during peacetime are even more significant in terms of volume and scope. The U.S. Secret Service estimates that North Korea has produced approximately 45 million counterfeit 100-dollar bills since 1989. These bills are primarily produced at the Pyongsong Trademark Printing Factory, which is under the supervision of General O Kuk-ryol.

Global Scale Counterfeiting Networks

Another state that is believed to be involved in counterfeit production is Iran, which has been operating since the late 1980s. With expertise in intaglio printing and the political will to pursue such operations, Iran is a likely candidate for producing a significant portion of the counterfeit bills. However, it is also possible that other countries, such as Syria, are involved. The Institute for Advanced Strategic and Political Studies has reported that the Bekaa Valley, located in Lebanon, has become a major distribution and possibly production site for counterfeit U.S. currency.

Techniques and Variants

The counterfeiters often produce multiple variants of superdollars, suggesting ongoing efforts to improve the quality of their production. The U.S. Secret Service notes that North Korea's production has been ongoing for decades, showing a sustained and evolving operation. Similar observations apply to other counterfeiters, indicating a continuous effort to enhance the authenticity of their products.

Modern Anti-Counterfeiting Features

To counter the increasing sophistication of counterfeiters, the U.S. government has implemented numerous anti-counterfeiting measures in the new 100-dollar bill. These features include advanced security threads, watermarks, and microprinting. The most prominent feature is a 3D security ribbon, which is an integral part of the design and adds a significant level of protection against counterfeiting. Other features, such as color-shifting ink and intaglio printing techniques, are also included to make the new bill more difficult to replicate.

The evolving nature of counterfeit operations and the continuous development of anti-counterfeiting measures highlight the ongoing battle between law enforcement and criminals in the realm of paper money counterfeiting. As technology advances, both sides are constantly adapting to stay one step ahead of each other. This history and current state of counterfeit production serves as a case study in the complex and evolving nature of this illicit activity.