Investigation Launched into Fake Dollar Allegations: Official Institutions Respond
Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into the claims of counterfeit money printing and distribution centered in Istanbul, which have been brought to public attention on social media and some media outlets.
Recently, concerns have emerged that counterfeit $50 and $100 banknotes, allegedly printed abroad, have entered circulation in Turkey. This situation has led some currency exchange offices in the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul to temporarily halt the purchase of dollars.
Currency exchange offices informed their customers by posting warning brochures in their establishments, as currency counting machines could not distinguish counterfeit banknotes from real ones. The brochures included the statement, "The banknotes shown will not be accepted due to the fakes in the market." Following these developments, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office took action to investigate the validity of the claims.
A statement has been released by official institutions. The Banks Association of Turkey published a statement informing the public about the counterfeit currency banknotes.
The statement emphasized that there have been reports of increased circulation of counterfeit currency in the market recently. It was noted that in the fight against counterfeit currency, banks have made necessary updates to their money counting and counterfeit currency detection machines. The banking sector is working in cooperation with public institutions to ensure that economic activity continues smoothly and uninterrupted.
The Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (CBRT) also issued a press release regarding counterfeit banknotes. In this context, the bank pointed out that it continues its effective fight against banknote counterfeiting in coordination with judicial authorities. It was noted that recently reported counterfeit foreign banknotes have been sent to the CBRT for an expert report to be prepared. The bank shared the expert reports prepared regarding counterfeit banknotes with judicial authorities as well as the banking sector.
The CBRT announced that necessary guidance has been provided to strengthen the technological infrastructure against counterfeiting. The measures taken in this regard were stated to be an important step in the effective fight against counterfeiting. Official institutions are trying to alleviate concerns in the markets by regularly providing public information about the measures they have taken regarding counterfeit currency incidents.