Belgium is a hub for counterfeit euro coins

That’s according to a report in De Tijd. It turns out that tonnes of counterfeit coins from China were seized during the last couple of months.

Over the past weeks, "several tonnes" of fake euro coins were intercepted at Brussels Airport, says Ine Van Wymersch of the Brussels judicial authorities. This is several times the total amount of fake euro coins that was seized in the whole euro zone last year. (photo: archive photo)

Brussels investigators fear that Belgium has become a hub to bring fake euro coins in circulation in the European Union. This could damage Belgium’s reputation, especially after previous incidents elsewhere.

In 2011, the German Bundesbank discovered it had accepted 29 tonnes of euro coins from China – all fake money – worth 6 million euros. Since then, the European countries are on the alert where Chinese shipments of euro coins are concerned.

According to De Tijd, Belgium was the only country not to tighten its approach. It is said that the government’s cash machines are still accepting the fake euro coins.

It was the customs department at Brussels Airport that discovered the scam. Suspects were followed for months while smuggling shipments of euro coins into our country. The Brussels judicial authorities say that the investigation has entered its last phase.

[Flandersnews.be / Expatica]