The Australian Border Force (ABF) has disrupted the importation of more than $2 million in counterfeit currency in Queensland, the largest detection by a single importer in the state.
During late June 2026, ABF officers identified and inspected 12 air cargo consignments arriving in Queensland, uncovering counterfeit Australian and Canadian banknotes with a combined face value of $2,000,850 AUD and $850 CAD.
The consignments from Asia were linked to a single consignee. They were identified through intelligence-led targeting before being examined as part of ABF operations focused on high-risk air cargo pathways.
The detections come amid a significant increase in counterfeit currency identified at the Australian border, particularly through air cargo and international mail streams.
ABF Superintendent Cargo Operations, David Henderson said the result demonstrated the effectiveness of the ABF's intelligence-led and risk-based border operations.
"Our officers use intelligence, targeting and frontline inspection capabilities to identify sophisticated concealment methods and disrupt attempts to import counterfeit currency into Australia," Superintendent Henderson said.
"This detection prevented more than $2 million in counterfeit currency from potentially entering the Australian community.
"The quality of counterfeit banknotes is improving, which increases the risk of people unknowingly accepting them as genuine currency.
"We encourage members of the public to familiarise themselves with banknote security features. Early identification of counterfeit notes plays an important role in protecting businesses, consumers and the broader community."
Counterfeit currency can leave businesses and individuals out of pocket, with fraudulent notes often identified only after a transaction has taken place.
The ABF has identified a substantial increase in counterfeit currency detections in air cargo and international mail imports since early 2025, alongside a concerning improvement in the quality of counterfeit notes.
| Financial Year | Detections (#) | Face Value (AUD) |
| 2022-23 | 3 | $25,270 |
| 2023-24 | 1 | $1,350 |
| 2024-25 | 13 | $115,150 |
| 2025-26* | 700 | $6,056,209 |
| Total | 720 | $6,238,879 |
* To 30 June 2026
The ABF is reminding the community to remain vigilant when handling cash and to be aware of common indicators of counterfeit banknotes.
Genuine banknotes include multiple security features that are difficult to replicate. Members of the public are encouraged to:
• Feel: Genuine notes have raised printing and a distinct texture
• Look: Check for clear windows, sharp detail and colour-changing features
• Check: Be alert to notes that appear smooth, lack detail, or include markings such as "not legal tender", "for motion picture use only" or "prop".
Anyone who suspects they have received counterfeit currency should avoid handling it further where possible and report it to their local police. It is an offence to knowingly import, possess, or use counterfeit currency in Australia, with offenders facing penalties of up to 12 years' imprisonment.
Counterfeit currency detected by the ABF is referred to the Australian Federal Police and transferred to the Reserve Bank of Australia for forensic examination before being destroyed to prevent it from entering circulation.
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