Spain: dismantling of a network of counterfeiters linked to the Camorra
The Guardia Civil has dismantled a criminal organization specialized in the counterfeiting of euro banknotes. 26 people were arrested during this "Copy" operation in the provinces of Málaga, Granada and Almería. The network is also involved in a theft with violence in 2018, drug trafficking and pimping. 13 searches were conducted to discover a marijuana plantation and seize 20 kilos of cannabis flower heads, several doses of cocaine, heroin and cannabis resin, 4 handguns, a 12-gauge rifle, knives, 20,000 euros in cash and counterfeit notes of 20, 50 and 500 euros.
The investigation began in April 2018 with the reporting of false cuts by commercial establishments in the region of Malaga. The cuts, of very good quality, were sold by young people who presented notes of 100 or 50 euros for small purchases. In addition, the people in charge of taking care of the planting of cannabis were paying with counterfeit bills of 500 euros. The network appears to be linked to a Camorra mobster who is currently serving a prison sentence in Italy.