The Federal Police has put an end to a “fake Fuffziger” in Vienna. The Russian-Ukrainian dual national had put 64 counterfeit banknotes into circulation.
Although more and more people pay with cards or mobile phones, counterfeit money is currently experiencing a renaissance. While there were hardly any ‘counterfeit fifties’ in circulation during the pandemic, the number of crimes involving counterfeit money increased dramatically again last year. The Oesterreichische Nationalbank registered about 8,000 cases last year – and this is at the same level as before Corona.
After careful investigation by the Federal Criminal Police, the handcuffs have now been searched for a suspected counterfeiter in Vienna.
Counterfeiters risk a prison sentence of ten years
The Russian-Ukrainian dual national was recently taken from a four-star hotel in the 4th district by investigators. The 40-year-old man is said to have put into circulation a whole series of invalid 50 euro notes.
Curious: When the officers stormed the hotel room, they found a (rather fat) wild cat next to the suspect. Unlike the forger, “Archibald” was very aggressive and had to be anesthetized by experts at Schönbrunn Zoo before he could be transferred to the Vienna Animal Quarter. There he is now on a diet – his master is in custody.
Like most other forms of crime, the counterfeiting industry has paradoxically moved to the Internet, where you can easily order flowers online – and risk a prison sentence of up to ten years for doing so.
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.
