The Act on Amendments to the Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure
Estonia · Riigikogu · 7 March 2016
The bill brings the code into line with EU requirements regarding the counterfeiting of euros and the protection of other currencies. The corresponding EU directive must be transposed into Estonian law by May 23, 2016. The bill provides for a stricter punishment than before for the preparation of forgery of money, bank card and other means of payment, security, tax stamp and trial supervision stamp. Currently, there is a financial penalty for these crimes. The bill adds up to two years imprisonment. It also gives the opportunity to carry out surveillance actions to detect or prevent these crimes. A misdemeanor punishment is also provided for if the responsible manager or employee of a credit or financial institution or other institution involved in handling money fails to check the authenticity and suitability for circulation of banknotes and coins. The counterfeiting of money and the handling of counterfeit means of payment and securities are also specified composition of crimes. These crimes are punishable regardless of whether the forgery was committed by legal or illegal means.