Italian National Arrested in Slovenia for Circulating Over 5,300 Euros in Counterfeit Banknotes

Slovenian police have apprehended a 30-year-old Italian citizen in connection with the circulation of counterfeit euro banknotes. The arrest followed an intensive investigation by the Maribor police department, which uncovered evidence of the suspect allegedly exchanging numerous fake 20 and 100 euro bills.

According to police reports, the suspect is believed to have used at least seven locations across the Maribor and Celje police administrative areas to pass counterfeit currency between June 29 and July 11. The National Forensic Laboratory has confirmed that all seized banknotes are indeed forgeries. While the exact number of exchanged notes is still under investigation, authorities have identified at least 20 fake 20 euro notes and multiple 100 euro notes used in the scheme.

During a search of the suspect's vehicle, conducted under a court order, police discovered and confiscated a significant quantity of counterfeit money: 164 notes of 20 euros and 21 notes of 100 euros. Police are issuing a warning that some counterfeit banknotes may still be in circulation, and their current holders might be unaware they possess fake currency. The investigation is ongoing as police continue to receive reports related to the use of these counterfeit bills.

The 30-year-old suspect has been brought before an investigating judge at the Ptuj District Court. As a measure to ensure his presence during further proceedings, he has been ordered to report to the police regularly. The charge of counterfeiting money carries a potential prison sentence of one to ten years under the Slovenian penal code.