Rome, December 22 – An extensive international operation led by the Carabinieri in Rome has resulted in the dismantling of a sophisticated counterfeit banknote printing facility and the arrest of a 31-year-old man. The individual was apprehended on December 15, 2025, while attempting to ship a package containing fake 50-euro banknotes. This significant bust, coordinated by the Public Prosecutor’s Office at the Court of Rome, also led to the seizure of computer equipment, cryptocurrencies, and cash, with crucial support from Europol and law enforcement agencies in Austria and Spain.
International Operation Targets Counterfeit Currency Trafficking
According to information released by the Carabinieri, the investigation commenced in September 2025. It was a collaborative effort involving the Anti-Counterfeiting Monetary Operations Unit of Rome, the Ostia Carabinieri Company, Europol, and police forces from Austria and Spain. The primary objective was to neutralize a vast international network involved in the trafficking of counterfeit banknotes, which had established branches across the entire Eurozone.
Arrest and Discovery of a Clandestine Printing Press
On the afternoon of December 15, 2025, military personnel arrested the 31-year-old resident of Acilia in flagrante delicto. The suspect, an IT expert, was caught in the act of finalizing the shipment of a package containing counterfeit 50-euro banknotes, with a total nominal value of 7,300 euros. A subsequent home search uncovered a fully operational clandestine printing facility, equipped with computers, digital printers, and advanced graphic design tools used for creating the fake currency.
Seizures Include Digital Tools, Cryptocurrencies, and Cash
During the operation, Carabinieri discovered “graphic projects” on the computers used for production, which facilitated the creation of the counterfeit banknotes. Authorities also seized an electronic wallet containing “lightcoin” and “usdt” cryptocurrencies valued at approximately 600 euros, along with 21,000 euros in cash. The cash is believed to be proceeds from illicit cryptocurrency exchanges. The seizure of cryptocurrencies was executed with the specialized assistance of the Cryptocurrency Section of the Anti-Counterfeiting Monetary Command.
Widespread Distribution Network Across the Eurozone
Investigations revealed that the counterfeiter, who had been active on social media for an extended period, had produced substantial quantities of fake banknotes in various denominations, including 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros. The estimated total nominal value of the counterfeit currency is approximately one million euros. The distribution network was extensive, reaching several Eurozone countries through postal shipments and cryptocurrency payments, highlighting the sophisticated nature of the criminal enterprise.
Confirmed Seizures and Arrests in Italy and Abroad
Throughout the investigation, numerous confirmations and seizures were made along the distribution chain. Key instances include:
- September 18, 2025: Austrian police intercepted a postal package containing samples of fake 5, 20, and 50-euro banknotes destined for a local individual.
- September 19, 2025: Carabinieri from the Pesaro Company seized a package with 20 fake 50-euro banknotes and arrested the recipient.
- October 16, 2025: Carabinieri from the Strambino (To) Station seized a package with 200 fake 20-euro banknotes and arrested the recipient.
- October 28, 2025: Carabinieri from the Terni Investigative Unit seized a package containing 260 fake 20-euro banknotes and 210 fake 50-euro banknotes. The recipient was arrested and found in possession of additional counterfeit banknotes with a nominal value of 36,000 euros in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 euros.
International Collaboration and Future Developments
Personnel from the Austrian and Spanish police, alongside Europol, directly supported the operations of the Carabinieri’s Anti-Counterfeiting Monetary Unit. The arrest of the counterfeiter has been validated by the competent judicial authority. This successful operation underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating sophisticated financial crimes.
Source: https://www.virgilio.it/notizie/scovato-a-roma-un-milione-di-euro-di-banconote-false-stamperia-smantellata-arrestato-31enne-1724015
