# Counterfeit euro currency operations in Europe

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/counterfeit-euro-currency-operations-in-europe
> Updated: 2026-08-31T06:54:29.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

Law enforcement agencies in Bulgaria and Greece have conducted operations to dismantle counterfeit euro currency schemes.

In Bulgaria, authorities in Plovdiv and surrounding regions dismantled a scheme involving fake 100 euro banknotes used in various retail locations. The investigation also uncovered a secondary plot to rob a private residence in Vidin using sleeping pills to incapacitate victims. Four individuals were detained, and police seized illegal firearms and ammunition.

In Greece, police in Alexandroupoli seized 182 counterfeit 50 euro banknotes following the arrest of a foreign national attempting to use forged notes at kiosks. The subsequent raid led to the apprehension of additional suspects, including a minor, and the recovery of genuine currency, cannabis, and vehicles. Suspects face charges including counterfeiting and money laundering.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Alexandroupoli police seize 182 counterfeit 50 euro notes

Police in Alexandroupoli arrested multiple individuals and seized 182 counterfeit 50 euro notes totaling 9,100 euros during an operation targeting currency forgery.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alexandroupoli-police-seize-182-counterfeit-50-euro-notes

### 2026-08-25: Bulgarian police dismantle counterfeit euro scheme and robbery plot

Bulgarian police dismantled a counterfeit 100 euro banknote scheme and prevented a planned robbery in Vidin involving the use of sedatives to incapacitate victims.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgarian-police-dismantle-counterfeit-euro-scheme-and-robbery-plot

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Cite as: Counterfeit euro currency operations in Europe. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/counterfeit-euro-currency-operations-in-europe