Thousands of counterfeit 2 euro coins were found in a container that arrived in the Greek port of Piraeus, the place of departure of which is China. Judging by the documents, there should have been watches, clothes and jewelry.
Counterfeit coins were discovered by employees of the Independent State Revenue Administration (Ανεξάρτητης Αρχής Δημοσίων Εσόδων). Auditors use special algorithms to detect and inspect suspicious cargo.
As a result of the inspection, part of a large batch of counterfeit coins was revealed, which the international group was trying to transport through Greece. Carefully hidden packages containing 41,450 €2 coins were found inside the container, with a total value of €82,900. They were intended for circulation in the Greek and other European markets. A batch of coins seized by customs inspectors ΑΑΔΕ, reports newsbeast.gr.
The preliminary investigation made it possible to identify and arrest a person of Chinese origin. In Greece, he had an import and trade business. At first, the arrested man denied all suspicions against him. However, the investigation continued and revealed another person involved, also of Chinese origin, who was arrested.
He worked in an underground warehouse, where, with the help of a service dog, Lucky, during a search, similar packages of counterfeit coins were found, in the amount of 21 pieces. Moreover, the bloodhound found 2 metal containers with a kilogram of crystalline powder, which was sent for examination to the state laboratory (Γενικό Χημείο του Κράτους).
The investigation is ongoing, European law enforcement agencies are involved. Other persons involved in this case are identified.
More Stories
Armed robbery of a diagnostic center in Kallithea
A concrete mixer overturned on Central Avenue
Suicide in Thessaloniki: a man jumped from the White Tower (video)