Europol Intercepts EUR1.2 Billion in Counterfeit Currency in Transnational OperationLaw enforcement agencies across 18 countries have successfully seized counterfeit currency valued at approximately EUR1.2 billion following a coordinated operation led by Europol. Romanian authorities played a significant role in the operation, securing more than 4.8 million counterfeit notes and dismantling a storage site containing upwards of 223,000 forged banknotes. Europol has maintained close communication with the European Central Bank throughout the investigation, collaborating on measures to curb the manufacturing and distribution of forged European currencies. As a result of the operation, 70 criminal investigations have been launched against organized groups suspected of orchestrating the international distribution of counterfeit currency. The operation further demonstrates the effectiveness of international collaboration in addressing transnational organized crime affecting the global financial system.
