Source: Eurojust
During an action day on 2 February, actions took place simultaneously in North Macedonia and Serbia. Authorities searched multiple locations and found machines used to make moulds and stamps for counterfeit money, hot rollers, presses, a counterfeit banknote detector and holograms. Over 180 000 counterfeit euro banknotes were seized during searches in Serbia, and over 500 000 in North Macedonia.
Authorities also seized cash in different currencies, phones and laptops. Evidence collected during the searches will be further analysed to serve the ongoing investigations. Twelve members of the forgers group were arrested in North Macedonia and Serbia.
The JIT between North Macedonian and Serbian authorities is supported by Eurojust through the Western Balkans Criminal Justice Project. This project strengthens cooperation within the Western Balkans and between the region and the European Union, using modern tools and methods to combat organised crime and terrorism. The JIT allowed the authorities to work together efficiently and effective, exchanging information in real time. The Western Balkans Criminal Justice Project purchased equipment for the North Macedonian and Serbian authorities, which was instrumental in executing the operation.
Europol played a key role in the operation, supporting law enforcement with expertise on counterfeit banknotes, analytical and financial assistance, and coordination of operational activities. Europol’s analysis identified the country where the counterfeit banknotes were distributed. On the action day, Europol deployed staff to North Macedonia and Serbia to provide technical support and cross-check operational data against Europol’s databases and the European Central Bank’s systems.
The following authorities carried out the operations:
North Macedonia: Basic Public Prosecution Office for Prosecuting Organized Crime and Corruption; Investigative Centre from the Prosecution Office and Ministry of Interior
Serbia: Public Prosecutor’s Office for organized crime, Service for combating organized Crime, Department for combating counterfeiting of money