The E-Sylum:  Volume 9, Number 45, November 5, 2006, Article 8

MYSTERY ACID ATTACKS EURO NOTES IN GERMANY

According to a November 2nd Reuters report, "German banknotes
have been falling to pieces due to a mysterious acid attack in
recent months, a central bank spokesman said Thursday.

Police are investigating why more than 1,000, banknotes worth
between five and 100 euros ($6.38-$128) have crumbled shortly
after being withdrawn from cash machines, said Bundesbank spokesman
Wolf-Ruediger Bengs.

"German mass-market newspaper Bild-Zeitung said contaminated notes
had now surfaced in 17 German towns. It quoted a chemicals expert
who said the notes had probably been dusted with a salt which
turned into acid on contact with sweat.

The bank did not say whether the acid could burn the skin."

To read the complete article, see: Full Story

Ralf W. Böpple forwarded this report from the international edition
of Der Speigel: "Since its introduction, the euro has served as a
remarkably solid common currency for much of Western Europe. But
lately, euro notes have proven to be less reliable -- indeed, they
are disintegrating right in the hands of their holders."

"Maybe a racketeer is behind all of this, someone who wants to
prove to us that he can destroy the euro," an unnamed European
Central Bank source told Bild. "But so far, no one has announced
anything in this regard."

"In the meantime, the euro bills continue to disintegrate and
officials are baffled."

To read the complete article, see: Full Story

Another article: Full Story

Philip Mernick forwarded this BBC News video: BBC News video

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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