Showing respect for the national currency means showing respect for the State and the people

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The legislation of most countries classifies the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit currency or securities as a grave crime. Unfortunately, individuals or organised groups sometimes attempt to force gullible citizens to participate in the distribution of counterfeit currency.

In particular, these days there is an attempt to manufacture counterfeit currency notes using advanced colour printing technologies. Although the quality of such forgeries often leaves much to be desired and allows them to be quickly identified as counterfeit upon closer inspection, risk groups for fraudulent actions include the elderly and visually impaired.

In accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Tajikistan, namely Article 65 of the Law ‘On the National Bank of Tajikistan’, the National Bank of Tajikistan has approved all the characteristics of the national currency - somoni. This includes the nominal value, dimensions, weight, as well as other parameters of banknotes and coins used as legal tender on the territory of the Republic. To counteract the use of counterfeit money and other illegal actions, the National Bank has placed on its official website images of the somoni with a detailed description of its security features. Credit financial institutions are provided with the specimen of national currency and in case of such suspicious money they shall be notified.  

It should be emphasized that recently there have been more frequent reports of cases of using souvenir banknotes or tickets imitating them as a means of payment via social networks. In this regard, it should be noted that, despite the presence of inscriptions indicating the characteristics (size, color, images) of the national currency in denominations of 100, 200 and 500 somoni, issued in 1999 and 2010, these products do not have any protective elements, including watermarks, security threads, microtext, security fibers and infrared protection. Such tickets are printed on a color printer, and the paper used does not meet the standards of the company responsible for issuing currency. Nevertheless, sometimes due to the carelessness of citizens, these products are mistaken for legal tender.

It is important to emphasise that ensuring the stability and quality of the national currency, as well as countering its counterfeiting is the duty of not only the banking system, but also the duty of every citizen devoted to his country. After all, showing respect for the national currency is showing respect for the state and the people.

In order to timely prevent the possible spread of counterfeit currency, credit organizations, financial institutions, enterprises, organisations, retail outlets and service facilities are advised to take all necessary organisational, technical and control measures. Citizens are strongly advised to be vigilant and pay close attention to the quality and authenticity of the national currency when carrying out financial transactions.

We remind that according to article 281 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Tajikistan production with the purpose of sale, as well as sale of counterfeit tickets of the National Bank of Tajikistan, coins, securities in national currency, foreign currency or securities in foreign currency is punished by imprisonment for the term from five up to fifteen years.

Also in accordance with Article 540 of the Code of the Republic of Tajikistan on Administrative Offences the use of images of the national currency, or any semi-finished products of their images, which by their features (size, colour, image) can be accepted in payment circulation for genuine banknotes of the Republic of Tajikistan for the purpose of advertising, shall entail the imposition of a fine on individuals in the amount from seven to four hundred indices for settlements with confiscation of the object of administrative offence.

If suspicious money is found, citizens are kindly asked to contact the nearest branch of the Ministry of Internal Affairs or the State Committee for National Security. They can also report this to the employees of these agencies if they are present at the scene of the incident.

Press Division NBT

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27.08.2024