Why is it hard to get rid of counterfeit banknotes? One answer came from the confession of an officer at the Coordinating Board for Eradication of Banknote Forgery (Botasupal). His agency has been less than effective in controlling the widespread circulation of forged money so far. "We've only caught small-fry while big-shot crooks, senior military men, are just lost," he said.

And there is truth in those wor