The Russian embassy in Libya has refuted circulating reports alleging the existence of a Russian printing press on a farm in the outskirts of Benghazi, purportedly engaged in counterfeiting Libyan currency, specifically the 50 dinar note.
Describing these reports as “lies,” the embassy, in a Facebook post, accused them of attempting to “alter the Libyan people’s perception and understanding of the real reasons behind the sudden rise in the price of the dollar.”
The embassy further characterized those spreading these rumors as seeking to “incite discord and deepen divisions among Libyans.”
In recent days, controversy arose after leaked correspondences between Libya’s Central Bank and executive and legislative entities revealed intentions to withdraw the 50 dinar note from circulation following the detection of counterfeit bills.
The Central Bank disclosed that it is contemplating withdrawing the 50 dinar currency following the observation of three different versions in circulation: one issued by the Central Bank in Tripoli, another by the Central Bank in Benghazi, and a third of “unknown origin” currently under investigation by the Attorney General’s office.
In response, security measures in Benghazi have intensified, with authorities issuing orders to apprehend and penalize individuals refusing to accept 50 dinar notes. Refusal to transact in the local currency is deemed a criminal offense punishable under Libyan law, as stipulated in Article 476 of the Penal Code.
