Police are urging the public to check their £20 banknotes after a major raid in the Midlands uncovered a sophisticated counterfeiting operation. The discovery of £100,000 in forged cash followed an investigation into suspicious listings on the online marketplace eBay.
Raid Uncovers Counterfeiting Factory
Acting on intelligence, officers from West Mercia Police executed a warrant at an address on Goldthorn Road in Kidderminster on Saturday, 10 January 2026. Inside the property, they made a significant find: bundles of fake £20 notes with a total face value of £100,000.
Alongside the counterfeit currency, police seized the equipment used to produce it. This included Brother and Epson printing devices along with various other tools and materials specifically designed for manufacturing fake money.
Arrest Made Following Online Sales Probe
The raid was the culmination of an investigation into the sale of counterfeit notes on eBay. A 42-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of supplying counterfeit currency.
He has since been released under investigation as police enquiries continue. The case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to track and dismantle illegal operations that utilise online platforms.
Public Urged to Check Banknote Security
In light of the seizure, West Mercia Police have issued a fresh warning for everyone to examine their banknotes. They provided key tips for identifying a genuine £20 note:
- Check the holographic foil strip: On a real note, the text will change from the number value (e.g., 'twenty') to the word 'pounds' when tilted. On a fake, this text is often fixed and does not move.
- Check the name of the bank: The 'Bank of England' text on a genuine note is raised, giving a distinctive texture. Counterfeit notes are typically smooth to the touch in this area.
For comprehensive details, the public is directed to the official security features guide on the Bank of England website.
National Crime Agency Issues Stern Warning
Neil Harris, head of the National Counterfeit Currency Unit at the National Crime Agency (NCA), emphasised the seriousness of the offence. "Bank notes sold online and marketed on social media as ‘prop notes’ are counterfeit and to possess, sell or use them as payment is a criminal offence," he stated.
He warned that these operations can be linked to organised crime and confirmed that the NCA works closely with online platforms to remove adverts for fake currency and prosecute those responsible.
The police spokesperson reiterated the consequences for such crimes, stating offenders face a criminal record, a potential prison sentence, and asset confiscation. Anyone with information about counterfeit currency is urged to contact West Mercia Police or Crimestoppers anonymously.
