The largest illegal factory for 2 euro coins in Europe closed in Spain

Spanish authorities have busted the largest illegal €2 coin factory in Europe after an extensive investigation lasting almost six years. This criminal operation, called “Operation Double Star”, was hidden in massage parlors and industrial estates and was run by a Chinese mafia.

The rolled up factory produced up to 900 counterfeit €2 coins every day. In total, more than 500,000 counterfeit coins were seized, of which at least 100,000 had been circulated in Spain and 400,000 in other European countries.

According to authorities, the counterfeit coins were of high quality and meticulously handcrafted by craftsmen within the criminal organization. These coins were then sold for as little as 80 cents each to gambling addicts or used to defraud foreign tourists.

The production of the counterfeit coins was carried out carefully to avoid detection. The criminals used special equipment to muffle the noise of the machines and hid their activities in massage parlors and industrial estates.

Gambling addicts and tourists from outside the EU were the ideal customers for these counterfeit coins. Gamblers could use them in slot machines and casinos, while criminals also targeted tourists who would be less likely to notice the difference between real and fake money.

The production and distribution of counterfeit coins is a serious crime with severe penalties. In addition to the 10 arrests already made, authorities continue to investigate to identify and target the highest echelons of the criminal organization.

In addition to the counterfeit coins, two arrests have also been made in connection with the use of fake banknotes. The suspects bought second-hand mobile phones from private sellers by paying with counterfeit currency notes. They offered an attractive price and paid with the fake money. Thinking they were real banknotes, the sellers accepted payment and delivered the phones. Only later did they discover that they had been scammed with counterfeit money.

Using counterfeit banknotes is a serious crime and can lead to significant fines and prison sentences. Authorities are currently investigating whether these activities are linked to the wider criminal organization behind the production of counterfeit coins.