Naples – The Carabinieri have dealt a severe blow to a network of counterfeiters operating out of a bunker in the Barra neighborhood of Naples, the same site that was seized the previous year.
Four people were arrested on charges of criminal conspiracy to produce and distribute counterfeit banknotes.
The bunker, located near the garage of the alleged gang leader, was accessible via a movable brick wall, operated by a sophisticated homemade electrical-electronic system.
Large-scale production
The investigations, conducted in collaboration with the Bank of Italy and Europol, revealed that the counterfeiters had produced approximately 380.000 counterfeit banknotes, with a nominal value of approximately 11,5 million euros, monopolizing approximately 30% of the counterfeit currency circulating in the eurozone.
The operation is the result of an investigation that began after the Carabinieri discovered the resumption of counterfeiting activity at the seized site, monitoring the movements of some suspects.
International Implications
- The counterfeit banknotes, in denominations of 20, 50 and 100 euros, were intended for the European market, with particular attention to France.
- Deputy Prosecutor Alessandro Milita highlighted the specialist contribution of the Bank of Italy and the support of Europol in the census of distribution chains abroad.
- The activities of band had already been interrupted on August 14, 2024, with an operation that led to the dismantling of another clandestine printing house.
Article published on March 25, 2025 - 16pm
The article talks about a very serious fact regarding counterfeiters in Naples. It is worrying to know that there are people who produce counterfeit banknotes in a bunker. It would be interesting to know how these illicit activities are discovered and what measures are taken to stop them.