In the first half of 2012, a total of 248 counterfeit euro banknotes were detected among banknotes in circulation in Finland. An analysis of semi-annual statistics covering a three-year period shows that the number of counterfeits was smaller than average.
| Period | 1/2009 | 2/2009 | 1/2010 | 2/2010 | 1/2011 | 2/2011 | 1/2012 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of counterfeits | 286 | 575 | 478 | 574 | 406 | 421 | 248 |
Of the banknotes in different denominations, the EUR 50 was the most frequently discovered counterfeit banknote in Finland (77 counterfeits) in the first half of 2012, followed by EUR 20 (60 counterfeits) and EUR 100 (49 counterfeits).
A number of security features have been incorporated into euro banknotes for recognising genuine banknotes. Banknote authenticity can be checked using the simple FEEL-LOOK-TILT test described in Eurosystem publications. In case of doubt, a suspected banknote should be compared directly with one that is known to be genuine. Instructions and guides for checking banknote authenticity can be found on the Bank of Finland website (www.bof.fi).
The European Central Bank has published a press release (http://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/pr/date/2012/html/pr120716.en.html) on the number of counterfeit euro banknotes found worldwide in the first half of 2012.
For further information on the situation in Finland, please contact:
Jussi Kangas, Banknote Specialist, Bank of Finland, tel. +358 10 831 3481
Marja-Leena Mönttinen, Forensic Examiner, National Bureau of Investigation, tel. +358 71 878 6437