As we enter the festive season, be on the lookout for dye-stained banknotes. Dye-stained banknotes are a result of crime following the breaking of Cash Protection Devices (CPDs) installed in ATMs or static safes and Cross Pavement Carriers (CPCs).The involvement of the public and the retail industry is crucial in the removal of dye-stained banknotes from circulation.

A dye-stained banknote is coloured with a green or blue ink and the dye could cover the entire banknote, be it around the edges or any other part of the banknote.

How to identify dye-stained banknotes

• Banknotes that look, feel, or smell different.
• Dye stains around the banknote’s edges or across one side as though the banknotes have been dipped in ink.
• Bleaching or fading of a note.
• Absence of the watermark or foil.
• Change in the note’s feel.

These may be as a result of efforts to remove the dye stains using aggressive reagents.

The public is warned not to accept dye-stained banknotes. If you are in possession of dye-stained banknotes, these must be submitted to any bank, or Central Bank for assessment.

Retailers are advised that any dye-stained banknotes discovered in the tills during the course of normal business must be removed and submitted to a bank or the Central Bank for assessment. Dye-stained banknotes must not be paid out or circulated.

The Central Bank or any other institution shall not exchange or give value for dye-stained banknotes in circulation as there is a presumption that such notes are the proceeds of crime.

Dye-stained banknotes must not be paid out or circulated!