Politis

Increase in Counterfeit Euro Banknotes in Cyprus in 2025

Published March 4, 2026, 09:17
Increase in Counterfeit Euro Banknotes in Cyprus in 2025

The Central Bank of Cyprus announced a 17.1% increase in counterfeit euro banknotes withdrawn in 2025 compared to 2024. A total of 670 counterfeit banknotes were withdrawn, with €50 banknotes being the most frequently counterfeited, representing 45.4% of the total. At the European level, the European Central Bank recorded a 20% decrease in counterfeiting in 2025, with a total of 444,000 counterfeit banknotes. €50 and €20 banknotes remain the most frequently counterfeited in Europe, accounting for 80.2% of total counterfeiting. The majority of counterfeit banknotes were found in eurozone countries (96.8%), while a small percentage was found in non-eurozone countries (2.2%) and the rest of the world (1%). Despite the small percentage of counterfeit banknotes compared to the total number of genuine ones, the Central Bank of Cyprus advises citizens to be careful and check the banknotes they receive.