The National Bank of Serbia has warned citizens and businesses not to intentionally damage dinar banknotes after media reports that individuals were scribbling on them and promoting the practice on social media. It said banknotes should be used only for cash payments, that notes with writing on them are unfit for further circulation, and that it will file a criminal complaint against an identified person in the reported case. Referring to a similar warning issued in July 2025, the central bank said deliberate damage to dinar banknotes in circulation could fall under the offence of harming the reputation of the Republic of Serbia under Article 173 of the Criminal Code because it amounts to deliberate ridicule of the country’s legal tender. It called on competent authorities to act within their powers and said pouring paint on banknotes, scribbling on them and urging others to do the same cannot be treated as freedom of expression or artistic creativity.
National Bank of Serbia2026-05-19
National Bank of Serbia warns defacing dinar banknotes may be a criminal offence and will file a complaint
The National Bank of Serbia warned citizens and businesses against intentionally damaging dinar banknotes, stating that notes with writing are unfit for circulation and that it will file a criminal complaint in a reported case. It reiterated that deliberate damage to banknotes may constitute the criminal offence of harming the reputation of the Republic of Serbia and called on authorities to act, stressing that such acts cannot be justified as freedom of expression or artistic creativity.