The National Bank has published its report on counterfeit currency detected in the first quarter of 2026. The period was marked by a sharp increase in the number of counterfeit euro coins.
According to the National Bank, 27 counterfeit euro coins were detected during the quarter, including 18 counterfeit €2 coins, eight €1 coins, and one 50-cent coin. By comparison, only one counterfeit coin was detected in January–March of last year.
In addition, three counterfeit €100 banknotes and six counterfeit €50 banknotes were identified. The National Bank noted that six of the counterfeit banknotes belonged to the newer Europa series.
During the quarter, the banking system also detected 77 counterfeit U.S. dollar banknotes and five counterfeit Russian ruble banknotes. The number of detected counterfeits declined compared with the same period last year.