Be wary, Belarusian citizens, particularly when handling money in a specific district, as urged by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) in Belarus has issued a warning to its citizens, particularly those residing in the Molodechno region and surrounding areas, to exercise caution when handling cash. The concern stems from the discovery of souvenir bills that resemble genuine Belarusian currency.
These souvenir bills, which are not intended for use as a means of payment, can be identified by distinct inscriptions such as "Dubleu", "Cubleu", "Souvenir money of Belarus", "BILET BANKA PRYKOLAU", and "Not a means of payment". It has been reported that 18 cases of the sale of such banknote-like items have been discovered by local police since the beginning of the year.
While there are no widely documented or confirmed reports of these souvenir bills being used for fraud in the Molodechno region, the MIA urges citizens to be vigilant when using bills. The use of souvenir bills for payment is considered fraud and can result in up to three years of imprisonment.
The MIA has previously advised Belarusians to be cautious with cash, and the current warning reiterates this advice. It is recommended that individuals check each bill when paying with cash to ensure its authenticity.
If you are concerned about this issue, it would be advisable to consult official sources such as the Belarusian National Bank, local police, or consumer protection agencies for recent alerts or warnings related to counterfeit currency or souvenir money fraud in that area.
- The MIA's latest warning in the Molodechno region advises citizens to be vigilant with souvenir bills, as their use for payment can lead to fraud charges, which are punishable by up to three years in prison.
- To avoid falling victim to the increasing number of souvenir money sales, it's essential for business transactions to inspect bills carefully, especially looking for inscriptions like "Dubleu" or "Not a means of payment."
