Comment by Askat Mukamadiev, Head of the Banknotes and Coins Expertise Department at NBK, regarding the detected counterfeit banknotes during 11 months of 2023

During 11 months of this year, the National Bank of Kazakhstan (hereinafter the NBK) and second-tier banks identified 195 counterfeit items (193 banknotes and 2 coins) totaling 687,100 tenge. This is 2.5% less compared to the same period in 2022 when 200 counterfeit banknotes were detected.

Most commonly, counterfeit banknotes with a face value of 5,000 tenge were detected, amounting to 68 notes, which constituted 35.2% of the total. Following that, there were counterfeit notes with a face value of 2,000 tenge – 62 notes (32.1%) and 500 tenge – 26 notes (13.5%). The remaining 19.2% pertained to other denominations of banknotes.

The highest number of counterfeits were identified in Almaty and Almaty region – 157 notes (80.5%), as well as in East Kazakhstan region – 15 notes (7.7%).

Counterfeit banknotes in Kazakhstan are primarily produced using computer technology and inkjet printers on regular offset paper. Counterfeiters typically imitate visual security elements.

The NBK reminds of simple rules that can help individuals independently distinguish genuine banknotes from counterfeit ones:

- The color of the banknote should be clear and contrasting. It is necessary to examine the banknote against the light to see watermark and digital image of the denomination.

- Furthermore, pay attention to the continuous embedded thread that emerges on the surface of the banknote in the form of dashed lines with inscriptions. It is clearly visible against the light as a continuous thread with inscriptions.

- It’s worth noting that on banknotes with denominations of 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, and 20,000 tenge, there are images made with color-changing ink. When tilting the banknote, the shape displays transitions of colors from green to gold.

- Moreover, all banknotes feature a special printing that creates relief, easily distinguishable by touch.

- On the 10,000 tenge banknote of the 2011-2012 design, there is a security strip on the front side. On the reverse side, it is visible through an oval window.

- On the 20,000 tenge banknote of the 2022 design, there is a holographic strip in half-windows with color-changing and dynamic effects.

Such a check of banknotes will take a few seconds and will help everyone determine the authenticity of the banknotes.

Detailed information on how to distinguish genuine money from counterfeit is available via the NBK website.