Plans for a massive counterfeit operation uncovered: underground “mint” busted in Poland
28 April 20:54
In Poland, law enforcement officials announced the dismantling of an organized group that was preparing to mass-produce counterfeit euros. According to the investigation, the group planned to sell some of the counterfeit money in Ukraine.
This was reported by the Polish Internal Security Agency , as reported by "Komersant Ukrainian".
It is reported that four suspects were detained on April 21 in the Mazovia Province.
“Law enforcement officials exposed an organized criminal group and prevented the production and circulation of counterfeit banknotes worth hundreds of millions of euros,” the agency reported.
Investigators say they have identified the group’s structure, the roles of its members, and the locations where production was planned.
How the scheme worked
According to the investigation, the group had established a full-fledged underground infrastructure. This was not just a matter of isolated counterfeits, but of large-scale production.
During the searches, investigators found specially equipped rooms with professional equipment for printing money. Materials used in genuine banknotes were also stored there.
“About three tons of special paper, holographic film, security strips, and elements with magnetic properties were seized,” investigators noted.
It is estimated that this would have been enough to produce up to 360 million euros.
Investigators emphasize that the suspects did not act at random. They specifically studied how the security features of genuine currency work.
“The criminals honed their skills by participating in specialized training,” the ABW stated.
Test banknotes were also found at the scene, which had been tested in ATMs and payment systems. This suggests that the counterfeits could have been of fairly high quality.
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Distribution Plans and Ukraine
One of the key details is the distribution routes. The criminals planned to distribute some of the counterfeit euros outside of Poland.
“The criminals planned to sell some of the counterfeit money in Ukraine,” the statement said.
The Ukrainian market was viewed as one of the potential channels for putting the counterfeits into circulation.
Law enforcement officials detained four people. The court remanded two of them in custody for three months, while the others were subject to preventive measures without arrest.
The suspects are charged with participation in a criminal organization and counterfeiting money.
“The suspects face up to 25 years in prison,” law enforcement officials noted.
During the operation, cash in various currencies, collectible coins, as well as weapons and ammunition were also found.
“Thanks to the coordinated efforts of law enforcement, we were able to prevent the mass production and distribution of counterfeit euros,” the ABW emphasized.
As a reminder, Ukrainian law enforcement, in cooperation with colleagues from the Republic of Latvia and under the coordination of Europol and Eurojust, previously dismantled an organized criminal group that defrauded Latvian citizens of over 6 million hryvnias.
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