Italy: Counterfeit 2-euro coins, indistinguishable from genuine coins even to the European Central Bank, were produced in clandestine mints in Prato and Quarrata by a group linked to Chinese organized crime. The operation involved importing nickel and nickel-brass alloy from China, clearing them through customs in Germany and Belgium, and minting coins that replicated designs from all EU countries, including commemorative editions. Over 20,000 fake coins and one ton of raw materials have been seized, but this is considered only a small portion of the total forged. The coins matched originals in weight and magnetism, successfully deceiving machines and slots. Five suspects, all Chinese nationals, were detained for criminal association. Authorities suspect the group received inside information from law enforcement to evade investigations.

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