Mossos d'Esquadra arrested a man and a woman in Cardedeu on 5 May for allegedly using fake €50 notes. The pair reportedly targeted lottery vendors and other businesses across the Barcelona metropolitan area.
Investigation into Counterfeit Currency
The investigation by the Criminal Investigation Division (DIC) started in mid-March. This followed a rise in reports of fraudulent payments. Many victims were lottery sellers, according to a statement from the Mossos d'Esquadra. Police said the suspects, aged 32 and 29, often used a nine-month-old baby to distract victims. This tactic helped them gain trust from shopkeepers. The collaboration of affected vendors proved critical in identifying the duo.
Modus Operandi and Challenges
The arrested individuals allegedly operated daily in various municipalities. They consistently followed the same pattern. They would buy a low-value scratch card, typically costing €1, €2, or €5. After checking if the card was a winner, they would receive legitimate change. In some cases, they passed two fake notes to the same victim on the same day. Investigators faced difficulties in obtaining accurate physical descriptions. Many victims did not realise they had received a counterfeit note until depositing their daily earnings at the bank. Banks would then detect the fake currency and alert them.
Tracking and Arresting Suspects
To overcome these obstacles, officers created a criminal map. They marked the dates, times, and locations of the incidents. This allowed them to determine the suspects' travel patterns. Police then identified the pair, who had accumulated around 20 prior police records. The police operation on 5 May included a search of the suspects' home in Cardedeu, a municipality in the Vallès Oriental comarca. Officers arrested the man and woman there. They seized 56 fake €50 notes, three mobile phones, and various stolen documents.
High-Quality Counterfeits Affect Businesses
The counterfeit notes were of very good quality. They imitated the tactile marks found on genuine euro banknotes. This made it harder for victims to detect the fakes. As a result, many businesses were affected, including 46 lottery vendors. The arrests aim to reduce the circulation of counterfeit currency in the region. This action also protects small businesses from financial losses. Both suspects appeared before a judge on 7 May.
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Originally published by Europa Press Barcelona. Read original article.
