On 22 April 2016, the Bulgarian authorities, in close cooperation with EuropolA body created within the European Union (EU) which supports the EU Member States in the fight against terrorism, cybercrime and other serious and organised forms of crime, like currency counterfeiting. More, dismantled an illegal workshop in the area of Pleven (Northern Bulgaria) which counterfeited 100 euroThe name of the European single currency adopted by the European Council at the meeting held in Madrid on 15-16 December 1995. See ECU. More banknotes. This seizure of fake banknotes is one of Europe’s most significant in recent years on account of the quality of the forged notes detected in circulation in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain.
This operation was the result of an intense cooperation between Europol and the Bulgarian State Agency for National Security and Ministry of Interior. Criminal intelligence, gathered in different EU Member States and shared by Europol, led to the location in Pleven.
In this print shop, finished 100 euro banknotes ready for distribution were found as well as unfinished banknotes in different stages of production. Europol officials assisted the Bulgarian authorities during the examination of the printing equipment and counterfeits in order to gather as much evidence as possible. The following items were seized: printing presses, laser engravingMarking with incision or etching an intaglio printing plate to create a design which will be transferred on the paper or another substrate during the printing. More machine, films, inks, hologramA thin microscopic diffraction structure, that transmits or reflects light so a three-dimensional image can be seen. This image appears to move as the viewing orientation is changed. More stickers and other printing equipment. A number of counterfeitThe reproduction or alteration of a document or security element with the intent to deceive the public. A counterfeit banknote looks authentic and has been manufactured or altered fraudulently. In most countries, currency counterfeiting is a criminal offence under the criminal code. More identity documents were seized as well.
Rob Wainwright, Director of Europol, said: “The global acceptance of the euro as a stable currencyThe money used in a particular country at a particular time, like dollar, yen, euro, etc., consisting of banknotes and coins, that does not require endorsement as a medium of exchange. More with low inflation makes it an attractive currency for counterfeiters. The information gathered during the raid and from the forensic analysis of the seized banknotes attests to the huge production potential of this criminal organisation, both in terms of quantities of counterfeited banknotes but also on account of their quality. I am pleased to see Bulgaria’s determined fight against organised crime and such operations are an important contribution to the protection of the euro.”
So far, 3 members of this organised crime group have been taken into custody.