Naples, May 25 – An extensive investigation by the Carabinieri and the Naples Public Prosecutor’s Office has led to the dismantling of an international criminal organization based in the Spanish Quarters of Naples. This group was responsible for distributing large quantities of counterfeit banknotes across Europe, utilizing a Telegram channel for sales and exclusively accepting Bitcoin as payment. The operation resulted in 12 precautionary measures against individuals, including 3 in prison, 5 under house arrest, and 4 subject to obligations.
Operation Targets Transnational Counterfeit Network
The individuals are accused, with various roles, of criminal association aimed at the transnational purchase and distribution of significant quantities of counterfeit banknotes. These were distributed through social media channels, specifically Telegram, in exchange for cryptocurrency payments, and for self-laundering. The investigation, which began in July 2022 and lasted nearly four years, uncovered a sophisticated network operating across multiple European countries.
Anonymous on the Web, Identified by Tattoos and Social Media
Despite attempts by some suspects to remain completely anonymous online, investigators were able to identify them through various means. Crucially, tattoos visible in promotional videos for the counterfeit banknotes, as well as social media activity and gaming habits, played a significant role in unmasking the individuals. The Public Prosecutor, Nicola Gratteri, highlighted the “social vanity” of the criminals and their daily passions as key to overcoming digital encryption.
Investigation Details: Telegram, Bitcoin, and Dropshipping
The criminal enterprise operated through an encrypted Telegram channel named “ELREAL SHOP,” where the sale of counterfeit banknotes in Italy and abroad was advertised. The sales network leveraged blockchain technology, accepting only Bitcoin for transactions involving fake currency. To ensure anonymity in national and international shipments, the organization employed a dropshipping model, as explained by Prosecutor Gratteri.
International Collaboration and Seizures
The international scope of the investigation involved the collaboration of French, German, Spanish, and Belgian authorities, with support from Europol to coordinate with interested foreign police forces. During the investigation, two individuals were arrested abroad in flagrante delicto, and over 106,000 euros in counterfeit banknotes were seized, hidden in dozens of packages ready for distribution.
The Carabinieri’s Anti-Counterfeiting Currency Command’s Cryptocurrency Section, supported by various territorial units, conducted the investigations. They utilized sophisticated OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) techniques and financial forensic analysis to trace over 410 Bitcoin wallets. This allowed them to reconstruct a business volume exceeding half a million euros between July 2022 and December 2023. A preventive seizure of over half a million euros has also been ordered against the suspects.
Impact Across Europe and Ongoing Operations
The counterfeit banknotes, in denominations of 20, 50, and 100 euros, were found to have been used in France, Switzerland, Ireland, Spain, and Germany. This was confirmed by the European Central Bank at the request of Europol, which initiated a series of inquiries in various European countries. In total, 61 people have been reported in connection with the operation.
Currently, searches are underway to execute the preventive seizure, both directly and by equivalent, ordered by the GIP of Naples. This includes vehicles, IT tools, and telematics channels used to commit the crimes, as well as money, real estate, and movable assets available to the suspects, up to a total of 536,880 euros.
The “Game Over” of the digital identities of the investigated subjects and the online marketplaces linked to the accounts “El REAL SHOP” and “@Eldiablo0301” (also active in drug sales) was achieved through innovative investigative techniques, demonstrating the authorities’ growing capability to penetrate encrypted criminal networks.
Source: Corriere della Sera – Napoli
