Major counterfeit currency group exposed in Dagestan
MOSCOW. Nov 12 (Interfax) - A major counterfeit currency group has been exposed in the Russian North Caucasus Republic of Dagestan, a source in the press service of the Russian Interior Ministry Main Economic Security Directorate (GUEB) told Interfax on Monday.
"GUEB agents in cooperation with their colleagues in Dagestan and the Krasnodar territory and the 'K' unit of the Federal Security Service [FSB] economic security department, with the assistance of the OMON [special branch], have exposed the largest counterfeit dollar production operation in Russia," the source said.
More than $400,000 worth of printing equipment, materials and counterfeit banknotes have been seized, he said.
Police have been tracking the group since January, determining its structure, organizers and members, production facilities, marketing channels and money-laundering schemes.
"In March, the Moscow police authority's Main Investigation Department launched a criminal case under Article 186 of the Criminal Code (the production, storage, transportation and sale of counterfeit money or equities)", the source said.