Overview
- State investigators in Schleswig-Holstein raided a property in Wyk auf Föhr, seized 358 counterfeit €2 coins, and opened criminal proceedings against a 23-year-old suspect under Section 146 of the German Criminal Code.
- Investigators suspect the coins were obtained from an online seller and then put into circulation on the island.
- The fake coins showed obvious flaws, including a brighter finish, lighter weight, strong magnetism, and an inaccurate Estonia motif bearing the country code “Eesti.”
- A local ice-cream seller’s suspicion led to a Sparkasse check that confirmed the fakes and prompted the involvement of the state criminal police.
- Separately in Manching, Upper Bavaria, police say numerous counterfeit €50 notes were intentionally laid out for passersby, are seeking witnesses, and advise reporting notes marked “Copy,” “Prop Copy,” or “Movie Money” that lack standard security features.