Counterfeiting in Cyprus 1981–1992

This paper analyses previously unpublished and uncollated statistical data relating to the incidence of counterfeit currency in Cyprus from January 1981 to September 1992. Among other factors, it examines comparative values by currency type; seizures, investigations, prosecutions; cases by district, location and month; and the nationality of offenders. It was found that, as in other countries, the most counterfeited note is the US$100 bill. There is no apparent link between tourism and the passing of counterfeit currency and Lebanese and other Middle Eastern nationalities are those most frequently prosecuted. Despite the relatively small scale of the problem of counterfeit currency, there is an upward trend and convictions appear to be difficult to obtain.