Italian Forger Arrested for Producing $12 Million in Fake Euros

A suspected counterfeiter responsible for printing 11 million euros in fake banknotes was apprehended in Naples. Europol revealed he had distributed 8 million euros' worth across Europe. The forger accounted for 27% of all fake euros found this year. French police also aided in the arrest.

In a significant bust, a forger suspected of producing fraudulent banknotes totalling 11 million euros ($12 million) was arrested in Naples, Italy, as confirmed by Europol on Monday. The suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, had already sold counterfeit notes valued at 8 million euros across Europe.

During the raid on his Naples-based printing operation, authorities seized approximately 3 million euros in counterfeit currency. According to Europol, the arrested individual is thought to be responsible for over 27% of all counterfeit euro banknotes detected and removed from circulation in 2023.

The operation also involved French law enforcement due to the substantial number of fake notes distributed within France. Europol, headquartered in The Hague, continues to collaborate with various national police agencies to curtail currency counterfeiting activities. ($1 = 0.9058 euros)

(With inputs from agencies.)