United States Currency ‘Supernote’ Overview

Briefing Topics: Background on genuine U.S. currency What is “Supernote”? Production Similarities to Genuine U.S. currency Defects associated with Supernote Investigative/Suppression Strategy Investigative Concerns, Issues and BGS support

Genuine U.S. Currency

Genuine U.S. Currency $870 billion banknotes (genuine) in circulation worldwide 2/3 of all U.S. banknotes (genuine) circulate overseas 3/4 of all $100 banknotes circulate overseas

Intaglio Press at US Treasury’s Bureau of Engraving & Printing (BEP)

Typographic Press at B E P

US Banknote Security Features Paper – pure cotton, texture/synthetic mix Crane & Company exclusive security paper supplier since 1879 Optical variable ink w/colors Fluorescent fibers Magnetic threads Intaglio printing press Holographic labels/threads Mould watermarks/color pigment/artwork Multi-color security lines, micro threads

What is “Supernote”?

What is Supernote? First Detected in 1989 – Philippines “Supernote” is a family of superior quality counterfeit notes First Detected in 1989 – Philippines $63 Million in worldwide activity to date (4/09) Average: $3.2 Million per year The USSS refers to Supernote as the C-14342 & C-21555 families Older style “small heads” Newer style “big heads” The family is composed of 20 forensically and/or investigatively allied counterfeit notes

Supernote: Production & Similarities to Genuine

How is Supernote Printed? The manufacturers of Supernote use the same printing methods as the U.S. Bureau of Engraving & Printing in the printing of genuine U.S. currency. Printed on reverse engineered paper: Similar in composition to genuine U.S. currency paper Security features within paper: Red & blue security fibers, Embeded security thread (red under UV) Watermark is present within Inks & design difference?

Supernote: Via Transmitted Light Security Strip Red & Blue Security Fibers Security Watermark

Genuine Security Thread Counterfeit Security Thread

Genuine Security Thread Counterfeit Security Thread

Genuine Watermark Counterfeit Watermark

Supernote: Forensic Design/Ink Defects

Supernote Defects The “N” Defect C-21555, C-22485, C-22500, C-22865

Genuine Counterfeit

The “Cellar Door” Defect Supernote Defects C-21555, C-22485, C-22500, C-22865 The “Cellar Door” Defect

Genuine (very faint) Counterfeit (very defined)

USSS forensic website BGS HK/FRA/UK www.usdollars.usss.gov

Smuggling methods for $100 Supernote

Methods to Import Counterfeit

Methods to Import Counterfeit 1 2 4 3

Methods to Import Counterfeit 1 2 3

Methods to Import Counterfeit 1 2 4 3

Investigative Initiatives & Concerns…

Initiatives & Concerns: Quality vs. Quantity Detection Challenges Investigative Challenges / State Sponsorship

Questions/ Discussion…