The Kansas City Star newspaper had an interesting article this month about Supernotes. A Supernote is the highest quality counterfeit on the streets, and there are many conspiracy theories throughout the internet regarding the origin of the Supernotes.
In 2006 Deputy Assistant Director Michael Merritt, United States Secret Service, testified before a Congressional subcommittee and described the Supernote in the following manner:
“The Supernote family of counterfeit notes was first detected in 1989. Its primary significance is that it is of such high quality that it often goes undetected until it reaches the Federal Reserve Bank. Since its initial discovery, the investigation into its origin and distribution has been a top priority for the Secret Service. The Supernote investigation is an ongoing strategic case with national security implications. This investigation has spanned the globe, involving more than 130 countries and resulting in more than 170 arrests. The Supernote primarily circulates outside of the United States.”