Two members of a pan-European clan were caught in thorny fraud offenses in Austria. Their methods of exchanging real money for counterfeit money in deals were cinematic. But now it is in prison.
You don’t see it in the two indicted Italians – the complicated tricks they are facing the court in Vienna for. The duo is part of a clan that operates throughout Europe. “1.2 million euros worth of counterfeit money has been put into circulation,” the public prosecutor describes various phases of the crime investigation.
Complex preparation
Contact sellers and entrepreneurs first. To appear serious, fake identities and fake websites were created and untraceable email addresses and phone numbers were created. Then followed the building of trust in expensive restaurants and hotels, where the perpetrators generously covered the bills and expenses.
Money counting machine confirms authenticity
Finally, the completion of the crime. According to the indictment, for example, it happened like this: two cars should have been purchased for 160,000 euros. The seller checked the money handed over with a money counting machine and verified its authenticity. But in an unnoticed moment, the fraudsters exchanged the box of money for an identical container of counterfeit banknotes, and at home the flowers fluttered their way.
Lightning fast exchange for counterfeit money
Another case involved a bitcoin transaction. The perpetrators wanted to have a larger amount of Bitcoins transferred in exchange for cash. The banknotes worth 550,000 euros were placed on the table and the business partner was given the opportunity to check the authenticity of the money. After the check was positive, the victim gave permission to transfer 9.8 bitcoins. And again the scammers managed to exchange the previously checked cash for counterfeit money.
Victims brought six gold bars to sign the contract
A businessman from Upper Austria also fell for the clan. The suspect showed interest in shares of the company and contact was made in a hotel in Verona (Italy). With specially created websites, they gave the impression of being a reputable business partner. Part of the agreement was that a commission of 250,000 euros in gold would also be handed over when the contract was signed. The victim brought six gold bars and in return received a deposit of 500,000 euros for the shares of the company. After the money was counted, the perpetrators put it in a brown suitcase, which was then exchanged unnoticed.
Seven years in prison
The trial is shortly after contrite confessions: seven years in prison for the first defendant, 22 months for the younger accomplice. Defense attorney Philipp Wolm concludes: “My client dropped his pants today and fully confessed. But what you have to say about this, such a system does not work without the greed of the victims.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
