Updated: 23 August 2025 la 19:06. Articolul a fost revizuit pentru a reflecta informațiile disponibile la această dată.
In recent years, euro banknote counterfeiting has become an increasingly visible problem across Europe. Between October 2024 and March 2025, European authorities carried out a large-scale operation against counterfeit currency, resulting in the detection and withdrawal from circulation of nearly €66 million in counterfeit banknotes and coins.
The operations involved 18 countries and led to the identification of international counterfeiting networks, most of them originating in Asia, South America and the Middle East. A notable example was the operation in Romania, where police recovered $600,000 in counterfeit currency in a single raid and received congratulations from Europol for the operation’s success.
1. Statistics and trends in banknote counterfeiting
The European Central Bank (ECB) reported that 554,000 counterfeit euro banknotes were withdrawn from circulation in 2024, an increase of around 19% on the previous year. The €20 and €50 notes were the most frequently counterfeited, accounting for more than 70% of all fakes.
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Most counterfeits are easy to identify because they do not meet security standards: they lack holograms or security threads, or have poor print quality. European authorities stress that early detection of counterfeit banknotes is essential to protecting the economy and the public.
2. Countries most affected and recent operations
In joint Europol operations, the countries where the most counterfeit banknotes were detected were Germany, France, Italy and Romania. In Romania, police intercepted $600,000 in counterfeit currency during a recent raid, a seizure that drew the attention of European agencies.
In France and Germany, checks at airports and financial centres led to the discovery of tens of thousands of counterfeit banknotes, most of them in €20 and €50 denominations.
3. Prevention technologies and methods
- Holograms and security threads incorporated into genuine banknotes.
- Special ink that changes when tilted or under UV light.
- The “feel, look, tilt” method recommended to the public for checking authenticity.
- Electronic detectors and mobile applications for retailers and banks.
- Training for bank and retail staff in recognising counterfeits.
4. International counterfeiting networks
Most networks involved in counterfeiting euro banknotes operate from Asia, South America and the Middle East. Distribution takes place through postal services, online transactions and cooperation with local groups in European countries.
In a recent operation, Europol intercepted more than one million counterfeit banknotes that were due to be distributed in several European countries. The operations demonstrated the effectiveness of international cooperation in preventing counterfeiting.
5. Legislation and penalties
European legislation provides for severe penalties for possessing and distributing counterfeit banknotes. People caught with such notes face heavy fines and prison sentences. Authorities recommend immediately reporting suspicious banknotes to the police or a bank.
6. Recommendations for the public and retailers
- Check banknote authenticity using the “feel, look, tilt” method.
- Use electronic detectors in shops and financial institutions.
- Educate staff and customers about the features of genuine banknotes.
- Immediately report any suspicious banknote to the relevant authorities.
- Be alert to unusual transactions or large sums received in cash.
Counterfeit banknotes pose a real threat to the European economy and to citizens’ financial security. Cooperation among European authorities, the implementation of security technologies and public education are essential to preventing and combating these illegal activities. Every citizen and retailer should be aware of banknote-checking methods and actively contribute to protecting the economy.
