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Exposé: Unraveling the Deceptions at Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, BC

Universal Ostrich Farm Con Job
The Ostrich Cons

Written and investigated by Jason LaFace, Anonymous Contributors, and Alberta Radio volunteers. Corrected for grammar, structure, and factual accuracy based on verified sources.


This exposé examines the operations, claims, and alleged deceptions surrounding Universal Ostrich Farms (UOF) in Edgewood, British Columbia, co-owned by David (Dave) Bilinski and Karen Espersen. Drawing on historical records, court documents, press releases, and recent events, it highlights patterns of financial mismanagement, unsubstantiated research claims, and fundraising tactics that raise serious ethical and legal questions. The narrative begins with Bilinski's earlier ventures in ostrich farming and evolves into the 2024–2025 avian flu crisis, which culminated in a controversial cull. Allegations of fraud stem from securities violations in the early 2000s, unverified partnerships, and inconsistencies in public statements. While UOF portrays itself as a pioneer in antibody research, evidence suggests a history of exaggeration and opportunism.


Overview of Rocky Mountain Ostrich Ltd. (RMO)


Rocky Mountain Ostrich Ltd. (also known as Rocky Mountain Ostrich Enterprises Ltd.), an Alberta-based ostrich farming venture, was founded in the early 1990s. It specialized in breeding, importing, and genetically improving ostriches, becoming one of Canada's largest operations at its peak. However, by the late 1990s, it faced severe financial challenges, leading to defaults, foreclosures, and integration into other entities like Universal Ostrich Farms. The following breakdown is based on court documents, affidavits, and regulatory decisions.


Founding and Early History (1993–1996)


  • Founders and Establishment: Established in 1993 by David (Dave) Bilinski, in partnership with Dr. Robert (Bob) Church (a prominent Canadian geneticist and Professor Emeritus at the University of Calgary, known for molecular genetics and embryo transfer in cattle), Bob Church (likely a relative or collaborator), and Steve Lilford. Bilinski, from British Columbia, had a background in forestry, beef ranching (managing a 750-cow operation), and animal nutrition studies at Olds College and Thompson Rivers University. Dr. Church provided genetics expertise, aligning with RMO's focus on superior breeding stock.

  • Operations and Growth: RMO imported ostriches from Africa (primarily Zimbabwe and Namibia) under strict quarantine protocols, including facilities in source countries, a high-security site in England, and final quarantine in Edmonton, Alberta. The farm emphasized genetic selection and initiated DNA fingerprinting for ostriches. By 1995, it accounted for 20% of Canada's breeder ostrich sales. At its peak, the herd reached approximately 1,100 birds, making it Canada's largest ostrich farm. Activities included husbandry, quarantine management, import logistics, and breeding programs for genetically superior stock (e.g., hens projected to lay 25–35 eggs per year, averaging 15 live chicks).


Expansion and Collaborations (1996–1998)


  • British Columbia Integration: In 1996, RMO partnered with Columbia Ostrich Farm Ltd., on Dave Bilinski's ranch in Edgewood, BC. This focused on expanding breeding, marketing ostrich products, and potential vertical integration with U.S. meat sales companies. Columbia Ostrich (VCC) Ltd., a venture capital corporation, formed in 1997 to finance efforts, raising funds via exempt securities offerings (targeting $3.775 million through shares with minimum $25,000 investments). Dave Bilinski and his cousin Dan (Danny) Bilinski (principal of Canadian Global Financial Group) served as directors. https://www.bcsc.bc.ca/-/media/PWS/Resources/Enforcement/Decisions/2002/2002-BCSECCOM-102.pdf

  • Acquisition and Renaming: In June 1998, Private Ventures Investment Limited (a Canadian Global Financial subsidiary) acquired the Alberta farm from Dave Bilinski, renaming it Rocky Mountain II Ostrich Farms as a wholly owned subsidiary. Funds came from client investments in Private Ventures notes and other securities, with Dan Bilinski as president. The acquisition aimed to support operations amid Dave's financial troubles but involved undisclosed related-party transactions.


Financial and Operational Challenges (1998–2002)


  • Revenue and Production Shortfalls: By 1998, revenues fell short due to industry shifts from breeding to meat/products, unsuitable locations, low chick production (e.g., only 3 chicks in 1999), and management issues. Offering memoranda (1997–1999) contained misrepresentations, such as overstated livestock numbers, optimistic revenues, and hidden risks like mingling personal and company birds. Director George Price's October 1998 memo raised viability concerns, estimating $12–15 million needed versus $3.775 million raised.

  • Defaults and Foreclosures: Dave Bilinski defaulted on three mortgages for ostrich properties, triggering foreclosures. Rocky Mountain Ostrich Enterprises Ltd. (managed by Karen Espersen) faced asset seizures: a 1996 writ for $61,134 in Alberta and a 2002 writ for $24,310 in BC. https://canucklaw.ca/universal-ostrich-farms-4

  • Investor Impacts and Regulatory Issues: Columbia Ostrich (VCC) raised $2.3 million from Canadian Global clients, with ~$1.9 million for operations and $469,000 in fees/commissions (20%). Investors qualified for 30% tax credits and RRSP eligibility, but most investments were lost due to insolvency. The British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC) 2002 decision highlighted breaches: illegal distributions without prospectuses, misrepresentations, conflicts (e.g., Dan Bilinski's familial ties), and unsuitable sales to conservative investors like seniors. Sales continued post-Commission orders (e.g., $135,000 in December 1999). https://www.bcsc.bc.ca/-/media/PWS/Resources/Enforcement/Decisions/2002/2002-BCSECCOM-102.pdf

  • Merger Proposals: In December 1999, plans to merge assets (e.g., transferring Rocky Mountain II to Columbia Ostrich (VCC)) valued at over $2 million (without independent appraisal) were not fully disclosed.


Transition and Legacy (1999–Present)


  • Integration with Universal Ostrich Farms: In 1999, Universal Ostrich Farms Inc. (co-owned by Karen Espersen and David Bilinski) adopted RMO's herd, shifting to selective breeding and antibody research from ostrich eggs in a 2021 claim.

  • Ongoing Financial Echoes: Failures contributed to ~$2.769 million in ostrich-related investor losses via Canadian Global. Dave Bilinski's troubles (e.g., foreclosures) persisted, linking to UOF disputes. No active operations under the Rocky Mountain name post-2002, with assets managed by venture capital firms after insolvency. https://canucklaw.ca/universal-ostrich-farms-4


RMO exemplified the 1990s ostrich industry's boom-and-bust, driven by genetic innovation but undermined by mismanagement and regulatory violations. Dr. Bob Church's involvement highlights scientific ambitions, though his legacy is in cattle genetics.


Dr. Yasuhiro Tsukamoto and Ostrich Research


Dr. Yasuhiro Tsukamoto, a professor at Kyoto Prefectural University, has pioneered ostrich antibody (IgY) research. UOF claims extensive collaboration, but evidence suggests limited or no direct involvement, with contradictions in public statements.


Key Research Highlights (2019–2020)


  • 2019: Published on ostrich IgY for skin-care and hair growth, including "The Efficacy of Ostrich Antibodies to Dihydrotestosterone and 5α-Reductase in the Restoration of Hair Growth" in Health. Focused on unique IgY properties: high volume, heat/acid resistance. Explored applications for infectious diseases like dengue and cholera. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1610492656334266/posts/1701997040517160/

  • February 2020: Pivoted to COVID-19, developing IgY nasal sprays to neutralize SARS-CoV-2. Moriwaka Clinic in Japan offered nasal vaccinations (3-hour protection, 5–6 daily sprays, $104 cost). Produced glow-in-the-dark COVID detection masks. Injected 10 ostriches on his farm with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein for IgY. In 2018, injected birds with bronchitis for flu/respiratory IgY. https://www.biospace.com/ostrich-pharma-usa-produces-antibodies-to-block-the-virus-that-causes-covid-19


UOF alleges Tsukamoto visited, injected birds, or partnered via students/affiliates. However, Kyoto University denies correspondence, student travel, or pathogen transport approvals. Health officials confirm such actions would require CFIA/Health Canada certification, which UOF lacked. https://vernonmorningstar.com/2025/01/09/edgewood-ostrich-farm-showing-resistance-to-avian-flu/


Tsukamoto denies board membership at Struthio BioSciences or work with UOF.


UOF Timeline: From Outbreaks to Cull


This timeline traces UOF's operations, focusing on alleged deceptions amid the 2024–2025 H5N1 outbreak.


  • February 2019: Country Life in BC article: Bilinski admits lack of slaughter capacity, seeks $3 million for processing. Mentions failed Washington partnership (Omega Ostrich USA, registered by Bilinski in 2015; address fraudulent, property for sale since March 2025). https://content.yudu.com/libraryHtml/A43lha/CLBCFebruary2019/34.html?page=34&amp%3Borigin=reader No confirmation of ramp-up to 1,000 ostriches by 2020 or 10,000 by 2030; farm had ~400 birds.

  • February 2020: Tsukamoto publishes COVID findings. UOF reports bacterial outbreak (Proteus, Pseudomonas, E. coli), killing ~10 birds.

  • March 31, 2020: Stu Greenberg issues U.S. press releases claiming Tsukamoto partnership for COVID antigens via Ostrich Pharma USA—alleged investor fishing; no verified partnership. https://www.biospace.com/ostrich-pharma-usa-produces-antibodies-to-block-the-virus-that-causes-covid-19

  • June 2, 2021: Schwanke Farms partners with Omega Ostrich Inc.; receives 6 ostriches May 27. https://sunpeaksnews.com/ostriches-sun-peaks/

  • July 2021: Katie Pasitney (Espersen's daughter) tells CBC UOF works on COVID antibodies; 250 ostriches injected. Interview amid wildfire defiance. Niece's GoFundMe raises $7,500 for supplies. https://www.prpeak.com/highlights/bc-farm-threatened-by-wildfire-battles-to-save-500-ostriches-3978510

  • August 2021: Media covers research; questions arise on COVID spike protein sourcing during pandemic.

  • Early December 2024: Flu-like outbreak after wild duck exposure; 25–30 deaths; flock ~468.

  • December 28, 2024: CFIA intervenes on anonymous report; verbal quarantine.

  • December 30–31, 2024: Samples positive for H5N1 HPAI; cull order for ~400–450 birds by February 1, 2025; export restrictions triggered. https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/CSSA/PDF/Ostrich/Universal-Ostrich-Farms-Detailed-Timeline-of-Events.pdf

  • January 2, 2025: H5N1 (2.3.4.4b) confirmed; infected site status.

  • January 4–9, 2025: Owners request exemption for "rare genetics" and research; deaths continue.

  • January 10, 2025: CFIA denies exemption, revokes distinct unit status.

  • January 15, 2025: Last death; 69 total (~15%); ~400 survivors.

  • January 28, 2025: Advocate Kari Simpson urges halt, citing inadequate testing.

  • January 31, 2025: Federal Court injunction stays cull (T-294-25).

  • February 10, 2025: CFIA appeals.

  • February 14, 2025: Decision on review; CFIA denies independent testing. https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/CSSA/PDF/Ostrich/Universal-Ostrich-Farms-Detailed-Timeline-of-Events.pdf

  • May 13, 2025: Federal Court dismisses review (2025 FC 878).

  • May 16–18, 2025: "Ostrich Fest" protest.

  • May 17, 2025: Avian flu signs posted.

  • May 23, 2025: U.S. officials (RFK Jr., NIH, FDA) suggest research value.

  • May 27, 2025: Dr. Mehmet Oz offers Florida relocation; declined.

  • June 20, 2025: Appeal Court grants stay.

  • July 15, 2025: Kennedy requests delay.

  • August 21, 2025: Appeal dismissed (2025 FCA 147).

  • September 6, 2025: Interim stay granted.

  • September 12, 2025: Stay denied for Supreme Court appeal.

  • September 13, 2025: Intent to appeal announced.

  • September 15, 2025: Reconsideration request.

  • September 22, 2025: CFIA/RCMP search warrant; hay bales corral birds.

  • September 24, 2025: Supreme Court stay granted; hay fire investigated. Antibody claims in blood tests.

  • September 25, 2025: Kennedy/Oz reiterate offers.

  • October 1, 2025: CFIA updates custody.

  • October 3, 2025: Awaiting Supreme Court; minimal response.

  • October 22, 2025: Intensified presence; "dystopian" scene.

  • November 6, 2025: Supreme Court dismisses leave; owners arrested. Cull begins; >700 rounds fired; helicopter injury alleged.

  • November 7, 2025: Cull completes; 300–400 birds destroyed, buried. Criticism of methods.

  • November 11–13, 2025: Cleanup; cruelty complaints filed. CFIA seeks damages.

  • November 14–15, 2025: Backlash; fundraisers raise >$450,000; calls for investigations.


Stu Greenberg and Ostrich Pharma


Stu Greenberg, a software engineer (not a scientist or physician), heads Ostrich Pharma Inc. and OstriGen Inc. Allegations include fabricating partnerships for investor seed money.



Greenberg claims he assisted UOF with business plans/investors. Listed as VP Product Development on UOF board, using "Dr." title falsely. Added deceased Carol Epstein (died 2020) as Chief Medical Officer. https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/carol-epstein-obituary?pid=196726225


David Bilinski: Companies and History


Bilinski's entities include Onu Body Care, UOF, Struthio Biosciences Inc., and Omega Ostrich Inc. (registered 2015). Sell meat, oils, skincare. Socials: OmegaOstrich/FB, OnuBody/FB, SaveOurOstriches.com, LinkedIn profiles.



Allegations: Scamming seniors via investments; fraud in ostrich ventures.


Katie Pasitney: The Propaganda Machine


Pasitney, Espersen's daughter, serves as UOF spokesperson via interviews and livestreams. Noted for changing stories (e.g., on Maverick News): Tsukamoto injected birds → Japanese students → Immune BioSolutions → farm self-injected. https://www.tiktok.com/discover/ostrick-farm-interview-contradicts-herself



Fundraisers: $180,000 (SaveOurOstriches.com), $133,000 (UOF site), $80,000 (GoFundMe), $50,000 (GiveSendGo), crypto (UniversalOstrich.ca), LMNT, Peak Top Designs. Total >$450,000; questions on use amid financial issues. https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/valid-questions-for-cfia-but-few-simple-answers-in-wake-of-bc-ostrich-cull/


Struthio BioSciences: Fabricated Research?


Incorporated by UOF owners for IgY commercialization against diseases like avian flu and COVID. No labs, research, scientists, or medical researchers.


Claims partnership with Immune BioSolutions (IBS) Quebec; court docs list "Bio Solutions." IBS received millions for COVID poultry research but denies contact/work/samples with UOF. Pitch rejected as outside scope; no NDA or samples shared—illegal without approvals.


Allegation: Created to con investors; fabricated emails with Tsukamoto.


Omega Ostrich USA and Creditors


Registered by Bilinski (2015); Washington address fraudulent. UOF owes hundreds of thousands; three court cases (2020–2024). Bilinski claims shift to research in 2020, but sold meat/products until 2025.


Jason's Notes:


Universal Ostrich Farm has been working with Jim Kerr and Rozali Telbis(Nevermore Media) on PR and Press Releases. Farmer's protest also organized by Jim Kerr and the bubble bus clownvoy club.

November 15, 2025: Bilinski/Espersen called investigator Jason LaFace after Stu Greenberg alert. Denied info; stories shifted on Tsukamoto, students, IBS. IBS/Leduc denied NDA/research. Kyoto denied claims. Fabricated Tsukamoto email on UOF site.


Conclusion


UOF's narrative of innovative research masks a history of financial schemes, misrepresentations, and unverified claims. From BCSC violations to denied partnerships and contradictory statements, patterns suggest opportunism over science. The cull, while tragic, highlights biosecurity failures. Donors should scrutinize amid >$450,000 raised. Investigations into fraud allegations continue.


JL


 
 
 

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