Morocco: Counterfeiters change target and aim for 200 dirham banknotes

The figures are clear: the authorities detected 4,495 counterfeit banknotes in 2024, for a total value of over 635,000 dirhams. This is a clear decrease compared to the previous year (over 6,000 banknotes) and especially compared to the pre-health crisis period, when nearly 10,000 counterfeit bills were in circulation. But while the overall volume is decreasing, counterfeiters have changed their strategy: they are now primarily targeting the 200 dirham banknotes. The share of these large denominations in the seizures has exploded, increasing from only 4% in 2023 to 58% this year.

The Euro and photocopiers in the lead

The 100 and 50 dirham banknotes are also a little more affected, while the 20 dirham ones are less interesting for fraudsters. The vast majority of these counterfeits (91%) imitate the series of banknotes issued in 2012. To manufacture them, the techniques remain very basic: in 90% of cases, it is simply photocopies or color prints.

On the side of foreign currencies, the number of counterfeits has slightly increased. The euro is the most copied currency, accounting for 71% of counterfeit foreign banknotes, far ahead of the dollar. At the same time, the central bank continues to maintain the stock of real money: it put 654 million new banknotes into circulation in 2024 and destroyed 389 million worn banknotes.