In November of this year, the Austrian customs had taken 664,060 euros in counterfeit money from circulation. The number of seizures of counterfeit money has multiplied since 2019, according to a broadcast from the Ministry of Finance on Saturday. The large increase can also be attributed to the “new specialization that has emerged with the new structures,” emphasizes department head Magnus Brunner.
In 2019, the annual balance in nine files was still 19,760 euros, with an average attachment value of around 2,195 euros. In 2020, this amount fell somewhat: in 31 cases, 15,350 euros worth of counterfeit euro banknotes were withdrawn from cash transactions. In 2021 there were again fewer seizures (16), but with a considerably higher total of 112,480 euros. In 2022, this number will be far exceeded: in November there were 49 seizures with an average value of around 13,552 euros.
Find in postal distribution center caused a sensation
Most recently, in November, a major find caused quite a stir: At the postal distribution center of Inzersdorf, the customer team opened a suspicious package during a focus check and discovered a real shower of flowers instead of the specified goods: 100 counterfeit €200 banknotes and 97 counterfeit €200 banknotes. 500 euros with a total value of 68,500 euros.
Specialized “money dogs” often support the agents. In the autumn, for example, the sheepdog “Ike” referred to a shipment with a total of 86,760 euros in counterfeit money in various banknote sizes.
Counterfeiters risk up to ten years in prison
“Our customs officers make an important contribution to the protection of our country and the fight against international organized crime,” said Finance Minister Brunner. The counterfeit money seized will soon be withdrawn from circulation and handed over to the Federal Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. Possession, order or payment with counterfeit money carries high prison sentences of up to ten years in prison.
Source: Krone
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