Total of 483 counterfeit euro banknotes found in circulation in Finland last year
27.2.2026 11:00:00 EET | Suomen Pankki | Press release
In 2025, a total of 483 counterfeit euro banknotes were detected among banknotes in circulation in Finland. The number of counterfeit euro banknotes detected in 2023 and 2024 was 653 and 714, respectively.

20 and 50 euro notes were the most counterfeited
Among the denominations in circulation in Finland in 2025, the EUR 50 banknote was the most frequently found counterfeit note (251 counterfeits). 130 of all counterfeits were EUR 20 notes and 47 were EUR 10 notes.
|
Year |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Number of counterfeits |
523 |
469 |
653 |
714 |
483 |
”The number of counterfeit euro banknotes detected in circulation has decreased compared with the last year and the previous year, and remains small relative to the rest of the euro area. Although the probability of coming across a counterfeit banknote is very low, it is recommended that you always check the security features of banknotes when handling them,” says Olli Vehmas, Banknote Specialist at the Bank of Finland.
Banknote authenticity can be verified by checking the security features
You can check whether a euro banknote is genuine by looking at the various security features that have been incorporated into them. For instance, feel the raised print, look at the banknote against the light and tilt it. If you have any suspicions, compare the note directly with one that you know to be genuine. More information on checking banknote authenticity can be found on the Bank of Finland website.
The Bank of Finland has a short online course (in Finnish and Swedish) on the recognition of banknotes, which is open to everyone. The course provides an opportunity to learn about the security features of euro banknotes and how to act in situations where a counterfeit is suspected. The course is available here: setelikurssi.suomenpankki.fi.
In a press release published today (www.ecb.europa.eu), the European Central Bank provides an overview of the situation regarding counterfeit euro banknotes.
Keywords
Contacts
Olli VehmasBanknote Specialist
Tel:+358 9 183 3410olli.vehmas@bof.fiJanne JokinenDetective Chief Inspector (National Bureau of Investigation)
Tel:+358 295 48 6881Links
Bank of Finland
The Bank of Finland is the national monetary authority and central bank of Finland. At the same time, it is also a part of the Eurosystem, which is responsible for monetary policy and other central bank tasks in the euro area and administers use of the world’s second largest currency – the euro.
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