The Affair Bojarski: Film Chronicles the Life of a Master Counterfeiter
Paris, 10 January 2026 – The upcoming French film ‘L’Affaire Bojarski’, directed by Jean-Paul Salomé, tells the true story of Czesław Bojarski, a Polish engineer who became one of history’s most skilled counterfeiters, producing fake French banknotes that fooled even experts at the Banque de France.
The Legend of Czesław Bojarski
Born in 1912 in Poland, Bojarski fled to France during World War II after serving as an officer in the Polish army. He struggled to find recognition for his inventions, such as a revolutionary bottle cap and an electric razor, leading him to turn to counterfeiting in the late 1940s. Working alone in his suburban home in Montgeron, he created near-perfect replicas of French banknotes, including the 1,000-franc Minerve and Hercule, 5,000-franc Terre et Mer, and the iconic 100 new franc Bonaparte types. His forgeries were so accurate that the Banque de France remained silent for years to avoid public panic, eventually reimbursing holders of the fakes in a unique move.
The Film’s Production and Cast
Starring Reda Kateb as Bojarski, Sara Giraudeau as his wife Suzanne, Bastien Bouillon as the obsessed detective Mattei, and Pierre Lottin as his associate Anton, the film blends historical accuracy with dramatic tension. Salomé, known for films like ‘Les Femmes de l’ombre’, drew from rare documents and Banque de France archives to recreate Bojarski’s clandestine workshop. Shot in Paris and Lyon, the production highlights the inventor’s solitude and the moral ambiguities of his actions.
Key Facts About Bojarski’s Counterfeits
| Banknote Type | Production Period | Notable Defects |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 Francs Minerve and Hercule (1945) | 1949–1954 | Identical serial numbers on some notes; visible under magnification |
| 5,000 Francs Terre et Mer (1949) | 1957–1960 | Subtle differences in signatures; rare, with only four known examples |
| 100 New Francs Bonaparte (1959) | 1960–1963 | Unclosed green leaf; thicker hair on Bonaparte; wider watermark |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Czesław Bojarski?
Bojarski was a Polish-born engineer who, after failing to patent his inventions in post-war France, turned to counterfeiting banknotes. He produced over 2.38 million francs in fakes, earning him the nickname “Cézanne of counterfeit money” for his artistic precision.
Why did the Banque de France reimburse the fakes?
The bank deemed Bojarski’s 100-franc notes indistinguishable from genuine ones, even by experts. To maintain public trust, they reimbursed holders rather than alert the public, which could have caused widespread suspicion of all 100-franc bills.
What makes Bojarski’s story unique?
Unlike typical criminals, Bojarski worked alone, inventing his own tools and paper. His fakes are now collectibles, with a 100-franc Bonaparte selling for over €5,500 in 2008, far exceeding its face value.