Episode F21 — Deceit and Falsehood: What Counts as a Criminal Lie?
Episode Summary
This episode focuses on deceit and falsehood as core forms of fraudulent conduct under Criminal Code s. 380. It explains that fraud is not proven merely because something was inaccurate or because a person later suffered a loss. Investigators must identify the specific representation, prove why it was false or misleading, show that it mattered to the victim's decision, and connect it to deprivation or risk of deprivation. The episode also explains how courts approach deliberate lies, known falsity, false personal or business representations, and the use of funds for a purpose different from what was represented. For investigators, the practical value is learning to build a "representation chart" that links the statement, the speaker, the evidence of falsity, victim belief, money movement, and the accused person's knowledge.
What You'll Learn
- • What deceit and falsehood mean in fraud law
- • Why a false statement alone does not complete the offence
- • How victim belief and economic risk connect to the lie
- • Why investigators must prove what the accused knew when the statement was made
Key Investigator Takeaways
- • Identify the exact representation and why it was false
- • Connect the falsehood to victim action and economic risk
- • Prove accused knowledge through records, communications, and surrounding conduct
Cases Discussed
Visual Mind Map
Transcript
Show transcript
Episode F21 explores Deceit and Falsehood: What Counts as a Criminal Lie? for Canadian fraud investigators…