Section 34, THE BANK OF SIERRA LEONE ACT 2019

(1) A person who - (a) falsely makes, forges, counterfeits or alters a banknote or coin that is legal tender, whether in Sierra Leone or abroad, or any cheque, security or payment card, whether denominated in Leones or in another currency; (b) possesses, transports or issues any banknote, coin, cheque, security or payment card with the knowledge that it was falsely made, forged, counterfeited or altered;or (c) manufactures, possesses or transports any plate, stone, paper, die or other object or substance knowing that it was destined to be used in falsely making, forging, counterfeiting or altering a bank note, coin, cheque, security or payment card, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not less than 500 million Leones or to a term of imprisonment not less than 10 years. (2) Banknotes and coins presented to financial institutions denominated in legal tender, whether in Sierra Leone or abroad, which are suspected to be forgeries or counterfeits, whether at licensed banks, financial institutions or other entities authorised to carry out exchange operations, shall be withheld and forthwith sent to such authorities responsible to verify the authenticity. (3) The Bank shall seize all banknotes or coins presented to it which are suspected to be counterfeited, forged or changed in value, and shall draw up a writ with the identification of the banknotes or coins, their bearer, and the Bank's grounds for suspicion.