Italian suspect seized for large-scale counterfeit euro banknote operation in Slovenia

Police in Slovenia arrested a 30‑year‑old Italian citizen suspected of cashing a substantial number of counterfeit 20‑euro and 100‑euro banknotes in the Maribor and Celje police jurisdictions between 29 June and 11 July 2026. During the investigation, officers seized more than 180 fake notes – 164 €20 and 21 €100 denominations – from the suspect’s vehicle and during his arrest, and confiscated additional notes at the Gorišnica police post.

The suspect’s liberty was withdrawn on 12 July 2026, and a court ordered him to report regularly to the police station. He faces a penalty of one to ten years in prison for the offence of counterfeiting money under the criminal code. Authorities warned that many counterfeit notes remain in circulation, urging the public to check their cash.