Criminal group forging over 12 000 official documents halted in Poland

Europol has supported Polish Border Guards (Straż Graniczna) in stopping an international criminal organised group from forging a wide range of official documents - from residence permits, driving licenses and passports, to visas and ID cards. The members of the gang, Ukrainians and Belarusian nationals, mainly operated in Poland and Ukraine.

The investigation started in 2020. Since then, law enforcement authorities have seized over 12 000 counterfeit documents, secured EUR 250 000 and arrested 42 suspects in total, all members of the same organised criminal group. 

The most recent action days against the gang took place on 3 and 4 December 2024 in Poland and resulted in:

• 7 suspects arrested
• 4 locations searched
• Seizure of electronic devices
• Seizure of documents and bank credit cards

Forged documents advertised on social media platforms

The suspects used websites and social media platforms to advertise the sale of forged documents under the pretence of legal assistance. Individuals were charged EUR 1 500 per document. Individuals seeking these documents were redirected to a customer service centre, where they received initial information about the process, costs, and details to pay deposits. 

Once the forged documents were ready, the buyers received photographs of the documents via online messaging platforms and were instructed to pay the remaining balance. The documents were then delivered via postal operators or personally by members of the organised criminal group. 

Investigation coordinated by Europol

Throughout the four-year long investigation, Europol’s specialists coordinated and facilitated the exchange of information with Polish authorities. They also provided their expertise on the ground during the action days in Poland.

The most dangerous organised crime groups carry out complex money laundering schemes to conceal their illegal profits. To tackle these top criminals successfully, Europol is putting more focus on investigating High Value Targets, financial investigations and asset recovery, as done in this case.

Poland, at the helm of the Council of the EU

Poland is holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2025, from 1 January to 30 June. During this period, the Polish Presidency has outlined seven key priorities in the field of internal security, all of which align closely with Europol’s mission to make Europe safer:

1. New EU Internal Security Strategy
2. Countering migrant smuggling
3. Countering drugs smuggling
4. Combating trafficking in human beings
5. Monitoring weapons and ammunition smuggling from Ukraine – preventive measures
6. External conflicts and their implications for the EU’s internal security
7. Enhancing cooperation with law enforcement agencies

Through its expertise, operational capabilities, and strategic insights, Europol is working hand in hand with the Polish Presidency, EU Member States, EU institutions and agencies, partner countries and other relevant stakeholders to turn these priorities into actionable outcomes.

See footage from the recent action days in the video below:

This press release was updated following publication with accurate figures.