19 March 2010
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Introduction The crime of counterfeiting currency is as old as money itself. In the past, nations had used counterfeiting as a means of warfare, such as in the War Between the States in the USA in the mid-1800s and the Bernhard Operation in Europe during the Second World War. The idea was to overflow the enemy's economy with fake banknotes, so that the real value of the said money was reduced; therefore, attacking the economy and general welfare of a society. Today, the crime of counterfeiting continues to present a potential danger to national economies and financial losses to consumers. Recent developments in photographic and computer technology, as well as printing devices, have made the production of counterfeit money relatively easy, thereby increasing the potential threat. The INTERPOL Counterfeits and Security Documents Branch (CSDB) is responsible for establishing programs that provide forensic support, operational assistance, and technical databases in order to assist the 188 member countries of INTERPOL regarding counterfeit currency. With this responsibility, INTERPOL CSDB continuously assesses existing measures, with the goal of implementing new ones that may provide an “added value” to the international community in addressing counterfeit currency on a global scale. The major challenge to protect currencies from counterfeiters has increasingly become more dependant on partnerships between law enforcement agencies, financial institutions and central banks, as well as with the security printing industry and high-grade supplier’s community. These partnerships bridge geographic, jurisdictional, cultural and organizational divisions, which were once impediments toward providing comprehensive and co-coordinated solutions for combating modern financial crimes. Therefore, INTERPOL, through its Counterfeits and Security Documents Branch (CSDB), recognizes and fosters cooperation with other official law enforcement entities, such as the United States Secret Service (USSS) and Europol; as well as with international organizations and central banks, such as the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), European Central Bank (ECB), the US Federal Reserve Bank (FRB), and the Central Bank Counterfeit Deterrence Group (CBCDG); and with innovative leaders in private industry. The INTERPOL CSDB philosophy is that throughpartnerships --- and increased cooperation, communication, and contacts --- we can better serve the needs of the community and reduce duplicity of effort, while combating this particular crime. INTERPOL assistance in the prevention of Currency Counterfeiting Since the 1929 Geneva Convention, which recognized the ICPO-General Secretariat as the International Central Office for the suppression of counterfeit currency, INTERPOL member countries have been able to call upon the General Secretariat for the following services:
In an effort to address new trends in the area counterfeit currency --- as well as encourage the international spirit of cooperation --- representatives of INTERPOL CSDB routinely participate in public events and private training seminars, with our partners from law enforcement, the central banking community, and the security printing industry. Whether the events are hosted at the General Secretariat in Lyon, France ….
…. or through our partners in the field from the INTERPOL NCBs, specialized law enforcement organizations, or central banking representatives ….
…. as well as being grand events with 500 attendees, or smaller working groups with specific needs …
…INTERPOL CSDB tries to provide an added value to the international community. CSDB Web-Based Tools In addition to our 'Public-Private' outreach activities, representatives of INTERPOL CSDB are also continuously developing web-based tools in order to address currency concerns within the 188 members of the ICPO community. Over recent years, CSDB has developed the following web-based tools, which are available via the INTERPOL secure communication network, I-24/7:
To obtain more information or to inquire about our anti-counterfeiting initiatives, please contact Interpol. For more information on the euro and its characteristics, please visit the European Central Bank (ECB) or Europol websites as well as the Euro Check Web Site (ECWS). For additional information on the US dollar and its characteristics, please visit the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing website. For specific information about the Central Bank Counterfeit Deterrence Group (CBCDG), please visit their website: www.rulesforuse.org.
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