Counterfeit currency network dismantled in Italy: 12 arrests, customers in Belgium
Operation "Domino" in Naples dismantled a counterfeiting network active across Europe via Telegram. 12 arrests, 61 persons charged, and more than €106,000 in counterfeit banknotes seized.
Operation "Domino": counterfeit currency network dismantled in Naples, with Belgian customers
The Naples public prosecutor's office, in collaboration with specialised carabinieri and Europol, dismantled an international counterfeiting and money-laundering network, RTBF Info reports. The operation, named "Domino", resulted in 12 arrests, including several abroad, and charges against 61 persons at various levels.
The group operated via an encrypted Telegram channel called "ELREAL SHOP", where counterfeit banknotes in denominations of 20, 50 and 100 euros were offered. Transactions were conducted exclusively in Bitcoin. To conceal the identities of buyers and sellers, the network used distribution techniques inspired by dropshipping.
The operational centre was based in Naples, but the customer base extended to several European countries: France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland and Ireland. The organisation was active between 2022 and 2026. Investigators estimate that the network generated over €500,000 in revenue, distributed across approximately 410 cryptocurrency wallets.
More than €106,000 in counterfeit banknotes were seized during the operations. Searches are continuing in order to seize goods, bank accounts and computer equipment used by the suspects, for a total amount potentially reaching €536,880.
Source: RTBF Info