9 Arrested in Italy for Forging EU Identity Documents & Facilitating Irregular Immigration

9 Arrested in Italy for Forging EU Identity Documents & Facilitating Irregular Immigration

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Europol arrests nine individuals related to irregular immigration, document forgery, and currency counterfeiting.
  • The arrested was involved in the distribution of fraudulent passports for migrants from the sub-Saharan and Middle Eastern regions to cross via flights from Malta and Italy to the Western EU.
  • The criminal group produced a significant amount of counterfeit 20,000 Congolese franc notes.

In a joint effort, Europol, the Italian Carabinieri Corps, and the Maltese Police Force have arrested nine people for their involvement in irregular immigration, forgery of documents, and counterfeiting of currency. At the same time, Italian law enforcement authorities dismantled seven counterfeit printing presses.

Through a recent statement, Europol announced that the criminal group, which operated mainly in Italy and Malta, specialised in distributing fraudulent passports to migrants from sub-Saharan and Middle Eastern regions.

These documents facilitated the passage of migrants via flights from Malta and Italy to multiple destinations across Western Europe.

Law enforcement efforts led to the seizure of numerous counterfeit passports across Belgium, Switzerland, France, and Italy, effectively disrupting the operations of the criminal network. In addition, investigations revealed the syndicate’s involvement in other criminal enterprises, such as the trafficking of stolen vehicles and the mass production of counterfeit currency.

According to Europol, the group produced a significant amount of counterfeit 20,000 Congolese franc banknotes, with a total estimated value of 54 million Congolese francs (over €18,000). The aim was to introduce these counterfeit notes into the financial system of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Carabinieri Anti-Money Counterfeiting Command of Rome initiated the investigation into this criminal network in September 2020. This uncovered that the suspected members had allegedly facilitated illegal immigration through the production and dissemination of fake driving licences, registration documents, and national identification documents.

Europol

Earlier this month, Europol, in cooperation with Eurojust, dismantled a criminal syndicate orchestrating irregular migration to the EU through fraudulent marriages. The joint effort resulted in the apprehension of 15 individuals, with 13 arrests in Cyprus, one in Latvia, and one in Portugal. Notably, four arrested suspects are considered high-value targets, with two captured in Cyprus, one in Latvia, and one in Portugal.

The individuals involved in the criminal network came mainly from India, Pakistan, and Portugal. Europol also emphasised that significant seizures were made during the operation, including confiscating electronic equipment and essential documentation related to the illegal activities of the dismantled network.

Moreover, individuals involved in the illegal scheme orchestrated procuring airline tickets, passports, and other essential documents required for illegal migration. Fraudulent marriage ceremonies were strategically organised in municipalities across Cyprus, including Aradippou, Livadia, and Nicosia.

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