Skopje, 3 February 2025 (MIA) - International operation "Vardar" that uncovered a network of counterfeiting money in the country is very significant since it was carried out by an international team of investigators, said the Public Prosecutor's Office (PPO) on Monday.

Chief Prosecutor Ljupcho Kocevski told a press conference that the international operation was conducted in cooperation with authorities from neighboring Serbia, with EUR 1 million in counterfeit and real money seized and six persons investigated.

Searches were conducted on 18 locations upon orders issued by the Skopje-based Criminal Court, with parallel operations in Serbia as well.

"Six persons are suspected of the crimes of criminal association and money laundering, while other crimes might be added as proceedings develop. About EUR 1 million in counterfeit and real money have been seized, as well as equipment and items used for falsification of money," said prosecutor Dejan Petreski.

The operation included the entire law enforcement system - investigators, police, prosecutors, financial crime unit, forensic experts, courts - as well as the National Bank.

Nine searches were also carried out in Serbia and six persons are investigated as well. Europol representatives were present during the operations but did not take part.

Eurojust liaison prosecutor Lenche Ristovska said the country had joint teams with Serbia and Kosovo on counterfeiting money.

"This specific case took place in Serbia and Macedonia. Several coordination meetings took place, we got support in the form of expertise from Europol, while Eurojust provided the technical support through procurement of certain services that were crucial in the investigation," said Ristovska.

In addition, the European Central Bank has withdrawn about EUR 1.15 million of counterfeit bills that belong to the same typology of counterfeit bills found on site.

Photo: MIA