Europol operation

Austria confiscates €383,000 in counterfeit money

As part of the operation, 6143 counterfeit banknotes (some of which are pictured) were confiscated.(Bild: BMF/Zoll)

In a successful international operation, 6143 counterfeit banknotes with a total value of €383,030 were seized in Austria. The operation, coordinated by Europol, aimed to prevent the distribution of counterfeit money via postal services throughout Europe.

In total, over 14 million euros in counterfeit money was confiscated in 18 countries during Operation DECOY (German: Köder). The operational phase lasted seven months and the counterfeit money was seized in postal items from China, Turkey, the United Kingdom and Belgium.

The majority of the objects seized were banknotes with altered designs, often referred to as "movie money". These reproductions resemble genuine banknotes in shape and color, but contain a small indication that they are counterfeits. However, these clues are often overlooked, allowing criminals to pass them off as real money.

The most frequently seized denomination was the 50 euro bill, followed by the 20 euro bill.(Bild: BMF/Zoll)

Close cooperation between customs and police
The success of the operation, which made it possible to intercept counterfeit money at key entry points, is based on the close cooperation between customs and the Federal Criminal Police Office.

Criminal organizations often take advantage of differences or gaps between law enforcement agencies, especially in the distribution of counterfeit money via mail.

In addition to Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States also took part in the operation.