Customs is investigating a case of aggravated money counterfeiting – new criminal offence detected through international cooperation
Customs has been investigating a case of aggravated money counterfeiting involving almost 260 000 euros worth of counterfeit money sent to Finland in 2025. The counterfeit money arrived in Finland in express freight and postal parcels from Italy on at least four occasions. Cases of aggravated money counterfeiting are rare in Finland.
In early 2025, Customs announced the seizure of more than 94 000 euros suspected to be counterfeit. First, Customs seized about 60 000 euros worth of counterfeit money found in an express freight parcel that arrived from Italy. Customs then seized 34 200 euros worth of counterfeit currency from the sender of the parcel. This led to international cooperation between authorities, resulting in Customs finding a trail to a new case of money counterfeiting. Due to the new case, Customs seized even more counterfeit money with a total value of about 164 000 euros.
– A common factor in both cases is that the counterfeit money originated in Italy, and the money arrived in Finland by express freight or in postal parcels. Once we initiated international cooperation, we managed to intercept a consignment of counterfeit money at the postal logistics centre. We seized the other consignments from the suspects, says lead investigator Tero Virtanen.
Counterfeit euros possibly still in circulation
After releasing information on the case at the start of the year, Customs received contacts regarding counterfeit banknotes.
– Numerous citizens contacted us at the start of the year, and it became apparent that counterfeit money had ended up in circulation in Finland. Counterfeit money may still be circulating. If you suspect that you are in possession of counterfeit currency, you should contact the Police, Virtanen says.
There are five suspects in the case in Finland, all of them Finnish citizens. Three of the suspects remain detained. The cases are under investigation as aggravated money counterfeiting. The preliminary investigation is concluded as regards the apprehended suspects, and Customs has forwarded the case to the Southern Finland Prosecution District for consideration of charges.