Fight against counterfeiting

The euro is regarded as a stable currency, not only in Europe, but throughout the world. As such, it is the object of undesired attention on the part of counterfeiters. Despite the fact that the euro’s security features make it one of the most protected currencies worldwide, counterfeits are still detected each day in its circulation. Nevertheless, the number of detected counterfeits represents only a negligible proportion of the currency (banknotes and metal coins) in circulation. 

Currency counterfeiting is a crime punishable by imprisonment (Penal Code, Article 262 and subsequent articles).  Actions with the intention of damaging the legal currency or of passing on the false or counterfeit currency also constitute punishable offences. 

The fight against counterfeiting is grounded in international and national organisations. Among the former, the European Commission, through the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), Europol (coordinating entity of the various national police forces) and the European Central Bank, through the Counterfeit Analysis Centre (CAC), all analyse and classify large scale banknote and metal coin counterfeits on a European level.

In Portugal three distinct entities under the criminal police (Polícia Judiciária) and Banco de Portugal include among their purposes the combat against counterfeiting, and interact with one another so as to attain greater efficiency.

The entities are the following: