Eight Convicted for Counterfeit Dollar 'Factory' in Kordelio

Eight individuals have been convicted by the Three-Member Court of Appeals for establishing a counterfeit American dollar 'factory' in a warehouse in Kordelio, Thessaloniki. Sentences range up to 5 years and 4 months of imprisonment.

The case was uncovered in February 2019 by the Kilkis police. A workshop with counterfeiting equipment was found in the warehouse. According to the case file, the individuals involved had 'cut' tens of thousands of dollars, which they sold at a lower price in the market of Northern Greece.

During their defenses, some defendants claimed they believed the banknotes came from Saddam Hussein's fortune or were intended for advertising purposes for PAOK.

Five were sentenced to 5 years and 4 months of imprisonment, while the remaining three were sentenced to 4 years and 4 months of imprisonment, convertible to 5 euros per day. The appeal has suspensive effect, with a travel ban for those sentenced to imprisonment.