A large-scale operation to produce counterfeit euros has been foiled in Poland
This was reported by the Internal Security Agency.
Law enforcement officers have detained four people aged between 44 and 71 who are suspected of organising the production of counterfeit banknotes. In a separate premises discovered by the ABW, the suspects had set up a production line where they manufactured banknotes.
During the searches, authorities seized, among other things, 3 tonnes of special paper, holographic foil and magnetic strips for watermarks, which would have been sufficient to produce around 360 million euros. They planned to put some of the counterfeit cash into circulation on the Ukrainian market.
Samples of counterfeit notes were also discovered, which the suspects used to test the effectiveness of security features on banknotes — for example, at ATMs.
The suspects underwent special training from professional organisations, where they learnt more about the security features on genuine euro banknotes. Law enforcement officers seized Polish zlotys, cash in other currencies, collector’s coins, as well as weapons and ammunition from them.
The suspects have been charged with participating in an organised criminal group and counterfeiting money. Two of them have been remanded in custody for three months, whilst the rest have been released on bail — they are prohibited from leaving the country.
They face up to 25 years in prison.
Earlier, ThePublic explained what to do if you are refused an exchange for old $100 notes issued in 1996.
Follow us on Telegram
