Cops crack 'forged' euro mystery

Jean-Claude Trichet's signature means it's the real thing

Berlin police have reassured citizens worried about an unfamiliar signature on their new euro notes that the money is genuine, news agencies report.

The police issued a statement pointing out that the signature is that of European Central Bank president Jean-Claude Trichet.

Mr Trichet's name has replaced that of his predecessor, Wim Duisenberg, on recently-issued euro notes.

Many Berliners had approached police believing the money to be counterfeit.

Mr Trichet's signature appears on newly-issued 10 euro notes.

Last year, European Union police forces warned of an increase in the number of forged euro notes in circulation.

Many are believed to have been produced by organised criminal gangs in central and eastern Europe.

Counterfeiters tend to concentrate on producing 50 and 100 euro banknotes.