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The European Central Bank (ECB) has issued its latest information regarding counterfeit euro banknotes identified during the first half of 2015.

The reported figures show a decrease in the number of counterfeit banknotes withdrawn from circulation during the first half of 2015 compared to the last half of 2014.

In total, 454,000 banknotes were withdrawn between January and June this year whereas 507,000 were withdrawn during the July to December period of 2014.

However, this latest figure is the highest compared to notes withdrawn during any other first half period to date.

The majority of banknotes deemed to be counterfeit were €20 and €50 denominations:

It is reported that the vast majority of counterfeit euro banknotes, 97.9%, were withdrawn from circulating in countries where the euro is the local currency. 1.6% were found in EU Member states outside of the EU and under 0.5% were located in other parts of the world.

To read the ECB press release, click here.