The operation was carried out under the coordination of Europol, with the participation of Italy, Greece, France and Spain
The Hellenic Police participated in a cross-border operation under the code name “CHAI FAKE” for the dismantling of a criminal organization that trafficked counterfeit banknotes.
According to a relevant announcement, the case was handled as a point of contact by the Sub-Directorate of Property Rights, Cultural Heritage and Environment of the Attica Security Directorate, in collaboration with the Services of the Directorate of International Police Cooperation of the Headquarters (Europol National Office and SIRe.NE) and the Airport Police Directorate Athens.
It was preceded by investigations by the Italian authorities to verify the actions of at least 18 foreigners of the same nationality, who produced counterfeit 100 euro banknotes in Italy and trafficked them in Greece, France and Spain.
As it turned out, they were members of a criminal organization whose main characteristic was that the production of the banknotes was done by hand, using special ink and watermarks, making it impossible to recognize them by authentication machines.
In fact, following the utilization of information by the Italian authorities, in July 2023, a foreigner was arrested in our country by the Athens Airport Police Directorate, who possessed -125- counterfeit -100- euro banknotes.
Subsequently, in order to end the action of the entire ring, the cross-border operation codenamed “CHAI FAKE” was organized by the Italian Authorities, with the coordination of EUROPOL and the participation of the Greek Police and the Spanish and French Authorities.
In this context, during the Joint Action Day on February 13, 2024, a total of -10- people were arrested in Italy, Spain and Greece with European warrants.
In particular, in our country the above foreigner was arrested who was already temporarily detained for the above reason in a Detention Center, while in Italy -7- and in Spain -2- other members were arrested. At the same time, in investigations in Italian cities, a fully equipped counterfeiting training area was identified.
In addition, with the contribution of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, it was possible to identify one more member of the organization, who in the past in our country had been employed for the circulation of counterfeit coins and had also served a sentence for robbery and robbery.
Investigations are ongoing.
Source: Skai
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