An investigation has been launched regarding the claim that counterfeit dollars have been circulated.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation ex officio to examine the issues of counterfeit money printing and distribution centered in Istanbul, which have been brought to the agenda on social media and some media outlets.

IT'S PASSING THROUGH ATMs

Following allegations that counterfeit dollars, which cannot be distinguished by ATMs and money counting machines, are being held under pillows and then reintroduced into the market, some currency exchange offices and banks have stopped the purchase of 50 and 100 dollar bills. After the news of counterfeit dollars, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office also took action and initiated an investigation regarding the matter.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office stated, "An investigation has been initiated ex officio by our Smuggling, Narcotics, and Economic Crimes Investigation Bureau to examine the issues of counterfeit money printing and distribution centered in Istanbul, which have been brought to the agenda on social media and some media outlets."

THE BANKING SECTOR IS ON ALERT

The banking sector has gone on alert due to counterfeit 50 and 100 dollar banknotes. Some banks, which have been warning branches about 'counterfeit dollars' for a while but left the decision to buy and sell to the discretion of the branches, published a new announcement yesterday stating that the purchase of "50 dollars and old series 100 dollars" has been temporarily suspended.

THERE ARE PRISON SENTENCES

There are prison sentences ranging from 2 years to 12 years for counterfeiting money and knowingly using counterfeit money.