United States Currency ‘Supernote’ Overview

Briefing Topics:

1. Background on genuine U.S. currency

2. What is “Supernote”?

3. Production Similarities to Genuine U.S. currency

4. Defects associated with Supernote

5. Investigative/Suppression Strategy

6. Investigative Concerns, Issues and BGS support

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Genuine U.S. Currency

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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

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Intaglio Pressat US Treasury’s

Bureau of Engraving &

Printing (BEP)

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Typographic Pressat 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”?

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What is Supernote?

“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

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Supernote: Production & Similarities to Genuine

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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?

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Supernote: Via Transmitted Light

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SecurityWatermark

SecurityStrip

Red & BlueSecurity Fibers

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GenuineSecurity Thread

CounterfeitSecurity Thread

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GenuineSecurity Thread

CounterfeitSecurity Thread

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CounterfeitWatermark

GenuineWatermark

Supernote: Forensic Design/Ink Defects

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C-21555, C-22485, C-22500, C-22865

The “N” DefectSupernote Defects

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Genuine

Counterfeit

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C-21555, C-22485, C-22500, C-22865

Supernote Defects

The “Cellar Door” Defect

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Counterfeit(very defined)

Genuine(very faint)

USSS forensic websiteBGS HK/FRA/UK www.usdollars.usss.gov

Smuggling methodsfor $100 Supernote

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Methods to Import Counterfeit

Methods to Import Counterfeit

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Methods to Import Counterfeit

1 2

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Methods to Import Counterfeit

1 2

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Investigative Initiatives & Concerns…

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Quality vs. Quantity

Detection Challenges

Investigative Challenges / State Sponsorship

Initiatives & Concerns:

Questions/ Discussion…