Naples: 'Honest 2.0 Gang' Uncovered: Three Counterfeiters Arrested

Naples - It seemed like a modern re-edition of Camillo Mastrocinque's masterpiece with Totò and Peppino, but without the candor of the typographer Lo Turco and with much more technology.

On September 29, the Guardia di Finanza of Naples and Rome—despatched by the Third Section of the Naples Public Prosecutor's Office—interrupted the work of three local "artisans" at the most crucial moment, when they were caught with their hands literally covered in ink while carrying out a search.

A holding company a stone's throw from the airport

Far from Mr. Bonocore's attic: the three had set up a fully-fledged, integrated production system across two locations. The raw production phase took place in a printing shop near Capodichino Airport; the notes were then transferred to an elegant laboratory in the Chiaia neighborhood for further processing. A "zero-mile product" that was expected to flood the markets with a face value of around €400.000.

Pro Technology (and Beginner's Misfortune)

Inside the Chiaia hideout, the Guardia di Finanza found over 12.000 20- and 50-euro bills ready for shopping, as well as a respectable digital arsenal: professional printers, laminators, cutters, rolls of foil, and even paper with fake watermarks. Experts attribute this meticulous work to the supply chain of the infamous "Napoli Group," a globally renowned brand for its excellence in counterfeiting.

Not just banknotes: the "catalogue" of services

The three creatives didn't limit themselves to 50-euro bills. The lab also uncovered proofs for Italian passports and holograms for electronic ID cards, as well as watches, jewelry, and machine purchase invoices (because even among counterfeiters, accounting apparently has its charm).

Return to Poggioreale

The three "art masters," all already known to law enforcement for specific criminal convictions, were forced to halt deliveries: transferred directly to the Poggioreale prison, their arrest was confirmed by the investigating judge on October 2nd. The presumption of innocence remains in effect until a final verdict, but for the time being, the "Banda degli onesti 2.0" will have to put production on hold.