63 forgers arrested in Naples

Italian Carabinieri seize EUR 200 000 in sophisticated fake banknotes, total damages estimated at over EUR 6 million

news

63 money counterfeiters responsible for faking Euro banknotes worth over EUR 6 million have been arrested on an action day conducted today by the Italian Carabinieri and French National Police, supported by Europol.  Of the 63 arrests, 62 were made in Italy, with 1 in France. The Italian organised criminal group mainly based in Naples, Italy, was involved in the distribution of high-quality counterfeited banknotes in several denominations across Europe. In law enforcement circles, the intricate fakes were referred to as “Napoli Group” banknotes, characterised by a high level of sophistication. The forged security features displayed on the fake banknotes were of high quality, as confirmed by the European Central Bank’s analysis. Leading up to the action day, the Carabinieri had already traced 83 sales activities, arrested 7 couriers and seized up to EUR 200 000 in counterfeit notes in denominations of 20, 50 or 100. 

  • 63 forgers arrested in Naples
  • 63 forgers arrested in Naples
  • 63 forgers arrested in Naples

The investigation was initiated by Carabinieri anti-counterfeiting investigators in January 2023, who received support from Europol. The aim of the investigation was to take down the Naples-based criminal group. The group was mostly active in France, Spain, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, but they sold their counterfeit banknotes across Europe.

Europol facilitated the information exchange and financed and coordinated several operational activities. Europol also provided analytical support to identify countries in which the banknotes were distributed. During the action day, Europol deployed an expert to Italy to provide technical support and cross-check the operational information against Europol’s databases and the European Central Bank’s systems.

Participating authorities:

  • Italy: Carabinieri (Comando Carabinieri Antifalsificazione Monetaria (CCAFM))
  • France: National Police (Police Nationale - Office central pour la répression du faux-monnayage (OCRFM))

Tags