CZK 1,000 and CZK 500 notes are the most counterfeited denominations

A total of 2,383 counterfeit and altered Czech banknotes and coins were seized in the Czech Republic in 2015, a decrease of 15 compared to 2014. Most of them were again poor-quality, easy-to-detect fakes. The Czech National Bank’s statistics show that the CZK 1,000 and CZK 500 notes were the most counterfeited denominations.

“Czech banknotes are notable not only for their artistic quality, but also for their many protective elements. However, this does not mean that people should not be careful when handling cash. Vigilance is particularly necessary in the case of the most counterfeited CZK 1,000 and CZK 500 notes,” said CNB Board Member Jiří Rusnok.

CZK 1,000 and CZK 500 notes together accounted for a full three-quarters of all counterfeit and altered Czech banknotes and coins seized in 2015. A year earlier the figure had been 63%.

Most of the seized counterfeits contained either no protective elements or only low-quality imitations of them. “This was mainly because most counterfeits are printed on inkjet printers. Such counterfeits are rated as ‘poor’ or ‘unskilled’ on our quality scale,” added Mr Rusnok.

The total value of the counterfeit and altered Czech banknotes and coins seized last year exceeded CZK 2.5 million. The largest numbers of counterfeit Czech banknotes were seized in Prague (1,294), Ostrava (192) and Ústí nad Labem (186).

In 2015, a total of 2,918 counterfeit foreign banknotes and coins were seized in the Czech Republic, down by 145 from 2014. Their value converted according to the exchange rate list as of 31 December 2015 was CZK 9.3 million.

Marek Zeman
Director, CNB Communications Division

Counterfeit and altered banknotes and coins seized in the Czech Republic in 2015

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