Brussels: Europe and the Arabs

For the first time in years, the number of counterfeit banknotes seized in Belgium has risen again. This is evident from figures requested by Barbara Bas, parliamentary group leader of the far-right Vlaams Belang party, from Finance Minister Jan Jambon (New Flemish Party). Bas said, "It's time to develop a plan for victims who receive money in counterfeit banknotes." According to a statement issued by the Vlaams Belang party, a copy of which we received, the statement added, "Last year, at least 14,340 counterfeit banknotes were seized in Belgian markets. This is more than €3,000 more than the previous year, and the first increase since 2020. This mainly concerned €50 and €20 banknotes." These two types of banknotes account for three-quarters of the total counterfeit banknotes seized. For 2024, this amount reaches €737,360. The statement quoted the right-wing parliamentarian as saying, "Anyone who receives money with a counterfeit banknote and goes to the police with it will not receive compensation for their loss and will therefore lose their money." She explained, "Anyone who receives money with a counterfeit banknote and goes to the police with it will not receive compensation for their loss and will therefore lose their money." "Dealers can take out insurance for this, but it is individuals who will suffer anyway." For this reason, the parliamentarian called for Bass called for developing a system that would allow compensation for people who perform their civic duty with counterfeit money and report it to the police. Bass concluded, "The government coalition agreement stipulates that banks assume their social responsibility in combating various forms of online banking fraud." "There is therefore understanding for citizens who fall victim to online fraud, but apparently there is no understanding for citizens who fall victim to counterfeit euro banknotes."