Friday, August 29, 2008 - 18:20
AFP News Briefs ListColombian police seize record stash of counterfeit euros
Colombian authorities have confiscated fake euro banknotes with a face value of 11 million euros, the biggest-ever such seizure outside Europe, policing agency Europol said Friday.
The alleged ringleader was arrested in the bust in Bogota which was conducted by national police and supported by Spanish banking investigators, according to a statement from Europol, who co-ordinated the operation.
"The operation had an extremely successful outcome when a clandestine print shop was raided while counterfeits of 200 and 500 Euro denominations were being produced," the statement said.
The individual running the operation was arrested and fake notes with a face value of over 11 million euros (16.2 million dollars) were seized, Europol said.
"In addition, machinery and other equipment used to produce counterfeits were seized as well as smaller amounts of counterfeit US dollars and Colombian pesos," the statement said.
The euro notes, which an expert described as being "good quality" fakes, were meant for distribution in Europe, it added.
Images
A currency dealer displays euro notes. Colombian authorities have confiscated fake euro banknotes with a face value of 11 million euros, the biggest-ever such seizure outside Europe, policing agency Europol said Friday.
© 2007 AFP Aamir Qureshi
