Counterfeiting

Only few attempts to copy the new security features have been detected. The 500-krone banknotes are still the banknotes most frequently counterfeited.
Large numbers of counterfeit coins are rarely seen, but in 2002 there was one case where counterfeit 20-krone coins for a total value of approximately kr. 100,000 were seized. The counterfeit coins had been cast and were of poor quality. Apart from this case, no large number of counterfeit coins has been found in circulation since 1996/97.

Severe penalties
Forging or attempting to forge notes or coins is a criminal offence under Sections 166-170 of the Danish Penal Code. Particularly serious cases of counterfeiting can incur a penalty of up to 12 years' imprisonment, which is one of the most stringent penalties under the Penal Code. The courts will normally pass down unmitigated prison sentences for both manufacturing and circulating counterfeit money and for being an accessory thereto. The longest prison sentences in recent years have been up to around two years, and the actual manufacture and circulation of a few banknotes has incurred unmitigated prison sentences. In some cases involving accomplices, or in extenuating circumstances, the penalty have been reduced to a fine or suspended sentence. The sentence will depend on the actual circumstances involved.

In addition to counterfeit Danish banknotes, counterfeit foreign banknotes have also been found. The provisions of the Penal Code also apply to the counterfeiting of foreign banknotes and coins.

Danmarks Nationalbank has cooperated with the Crime Preventive Council on printing a poster which in 1997 was sent to all elementary and secondary schools and technical and commercial colleges, etc.The Nationalbank hopes that this initiative will help to prevent children and young people from becoming involved in serious criminal cases. Today many schools and after-school centres have equipment that can be used to copy banknotes. There have been several cases of children and young people attempting to reproduce money "for fun". A few examples of these counterfeit coins and notes have even been put into circulation. Even if money has been counterfeited for fun or without thought of the consequences, it is still a serious breach of the Penal Code. These cases involving children and young people are very unfortunate because the perpetrators do not realize the consequences of their actions until it is too late.



The poster (in Danish only) can be obtained from the Nationalbank's Communications, free of charge. Telephone: (+45) 33 63 70 00 or e-mail: kommunikation@nationalbanken.dk