The German central bank, Deutsche Bundesbank, reported removing approximately 36,600 counterfeit Euro banknotes from circulation within Germany during the first half of 2025. This represents a nominal value of just under €2.1 million. The figure marks an 8 percent increase compared to the second half of 2024, according to a statement released by the bank on Friday.
Calculated per capita, this equates to roughly nine counterfeit notes for every 10,000 residents in Germany. While the overall number of fakes rose, the distribution varied across denominations. The number of illegally produced 50 and 100 Euro notes increased, while instances of counterfeit 200 and 500 Euro notes significantly decreased. Consequently, the total financial loss remained virtually unchanged when compared to the previous six-month period.
Burkhard Balz, a member of the Bundesbank’s executive board and responsible for cash-related matters, indicated a shift in counterfeiters’ tactics. “We are observing a return to the more common denominations – the 50 and 100 Euro notes – being utilized in fraudulent transactions involving high-value goods” Balz stated. This suggests a potential refocusing of counterfeit operations targeting transactions that typically involve smaller, more frequent payments.
