Mitchell in forged euro notes warning

AN IRISH member of the European Parliament has warned about the growing danger of counterfeit euro banknotes amid claims that €35.6 million worth of forgeries were withdrawn from circulation across the EU last year.

Fine Gael MEP for Dublin Gay Mitchell has called on the European Central Bank (ECB) to reconsider the need for issuing so many high denomination banknotes because their use will be exploited by criminals.

Mr Mitchell is concerned that the growing use of €500 notes will attract further counterfeiters to engage in the business.