Macedonian Worker Arrested for Making Fake €2 Coins

A government official from North Macedonia has been arrested for allegedly producing millions of counterfeit €2 coins, according to a statement from Europol, the European Union’s law enforcement agency. The arrest followed a months-long investigation conducted by authorities from North Macedonia and Kosovo, with assistance from Europol. The suspect, a 34-year-old employee of North Macedonia’s Ministry of Interior, was apprehended in Pristina. The investigation revealed a large-scale forgery operation, leading to the seizure of various counterfeiting equipment. Authorities confiscated machines used for producing counterfeit currency, along with thousands of assembled coins, rings, and core blanks at multiple sites across North Macedonia. This operation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating currency fraud within the region. Eurojust, the EU’s agency for criminal justice cooperation, reported that the suspect is believed to have produced approximately 2 million fake €2 coins, which were poised to enter the Kosovar economy. The implications of such a counterfeit operation could have significant economic repercussions, undermining the integrity of the currency and potentially impacting local businesses and consumers. The collaboration between Macedonian and Kosovar authorities, supported by Europol, underscores the importance of international cooperation in tackling organized crime and counterfeiting. As investigations continue, authorities are likely to explore further connections and the broader network involved in this counterfeit operation.