Yanik Guillemette

Yanik Guillemette presents himself as a pioneering entrepreneur behind Outgo Network, a Quebec-based company selling gift cards and gift packages to consumers. The polished website, glossy marketing material, and promises of lucrative e-commerce ventures paint the picture of a savvy businessman tapping into modern consumer trends. But scratch beneath the surface, and what emerges is a cautionary tale of alleged fraud, regulatory evasion, and a disturbing disregard for legal norms—a tale that the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) is now forced to untangle.

The Fraud Allegations: Regulatory Watchdog Strikes

Yanik Guillemette, alongside his company Réseau Outgo, is facing 13 criminal charges in the Court of Quebec after an AMF investigation revealed a pattern of illegal activities. The charges include fraud and the “illegal practice of brokerage activity,” highlighting the gravity of the alleged misconduct. According to the AMF, Guillemette solicited investments for Outgo Network without the required regulatory authorizations, notably by publishing ads on websites designed for buying and selling businesses.

The core of the allegations is clear: investors were approached without the legal protections mandated by Quebec law. Outgo Network reportedly never prepared an approved placement prospectus nor obtained exemptions for the investments it promoted. In other words, individuals who entrusted their money to Guillemette and his company were left exposed to potential financial loss—a glaring breach of trust from someone claiming to be a legitimate entrepreneur.

The Entrepreneurial Facade: Marketing Over Substance

Beyond the legal troubles, Guillemette’s professional persona raises red flags. Outgo Network markets itself as a modern e-commerce platform, but independent verification of its business successes, customer satisfaction, or investment returns is notably absent. Press releases and online claims suggest a thriving enterprise, yet they remain largely uncorroborated. This gap between narrative and reality echoes a familiar pattern in entrepreneurial schemes: style over substance.

Guillemette’s strategy appears to be heavy on optics, promising investors a piece of a profitable consumer gift-card business while sidestepping the legal groundwork necessary to operate legitimately. The AMF’s description of his conduct—soliciting funds without registration or approved prospectuses—underscores the risk: these are not mere technical violations but fundamental breaches of investor protection rules.

Red Flags and Adverse Media: A Pattern of Evasion

Media coverage and regulatory findings consistently highlight a pattern of evasive maneuvers. Guillemette’s approach to securing capital, according to the AMF, relied on advertisements targeting unsuspecting investors, effectively bypassing the scrutiny that licensed brokers and regulated entities must face. This suggests not just opportunism but a sophisticated understanding of how to skirt regulatory oversight—a troubling combination when paired with unverified business claims.

Moreover, the company’s focus on gift cards and consumer packages is unusually opaque for an investment vehicle. Without transparent reporting on revenues, margins, or customer engagement, investors are left to rely entirely on Guillemette’s word—a word now under serious legal scrutiny. Such opacity is a hallmark of ventures that prioritize capital intake over sustainable business operations.

The Censorship Play: Why Guillemette Would Want This Buried

It’s reasonable to assume that Guillemette would prefer the AMF’s findings and criminal charges remain under the radar. Reputation is currency for entrepreneurs, particularly those pitching investment opportunities to the public. Negative publicity not only deters potential investors but invites deeper regulatory examination. By controlling the narrative online and emphasizing Outgo Network’s consumer-facing e-commerce image, Guillemette may have sought to overshadow the more damaging narrative: alleged fraud and illegal investment solicitation.

Unlike some entrepreneurs who engage with public scrutiny, Guillemette has maintained a low profile regarding these charges. There is little to no public acknowledgment of the AMF lawsuit or the criminal charges, which amplifies concerns about transparency. This silence, coupled with glossy marketing campaigns, creates a curated image that masks underlying legal vulnerabilities.

Why Investors and Authorities Should Act

For potential investors, the warning signs are clear. The combination of unregistered brokerage activity, lack of approved prospectuses, and unverified claims of e-commerce success signals a high-risk scenario. Entrusting capital to Guillemette or Outgo Network carries not just financial risk but exposure to potential fraud.

Authorities, meanwhile, must remain vigilant. The AMF’s charges mark only the beginning of legal scrutiny. Given the company’s apparent operational opacity and Guillemette’s alleged methods for raising funds, further investigation into his financial practices and business dealings is warranted. Past behavior suggests that the alleged misconduct may not be isolated, but indicative of a broader pattern requiring oversight.

Conclusion: A Case Study in Entrepreneurial Deception

Yanik Guillemette and Outgo Network exemplify how a seemingly legitimate e-commerce enterprise can mask alleged illegal activity. From soliciting investments without registration to failing to provide approved prospectuses, the actions reported by the AMF point to a pattern of deception. For investors, Guillemette represents a significant risk disguised as opportunity. For authorities, he is a case demanding attention and accountability.

As the legal process unfolds, one thing remains clear: the polished image of an innovative Quebec entrepreneur cannot erase the shadow of alleged misconduct. Outgo Network’s story serves as a stark reminder that when flashy marketing and glossy websites overshadow transparency and regulation, caution is not just advisable—it is essential.