Europol Dismantles International Document Forgery Gang Active on Social Media

Europol, in collaboration with Polish Border Guards, has dismantled an international criminal group involved in document forgery. The group, primarily composed of Ukrainian and Belarusian nationals, had been operating since 2020, producing counterfeit documents such as residence permits, driving licenses, passports, visas, and ID cards. Their activities were mainly concentrated in Poland and Ukraine.

The criminals advertised their services on social media platforms, offering “legal assistance.” Each forged document was priced at approximately €1,500. Once prepared, clients received photos of the documents via online messaging platforms, and the originals were either mailed or personally delivered by group members.

As a result of law enforcement actions, 12,000 fake documents were seized, €250,000 was confiscated, and all members of the organized criminal group were arrested. In December 2024, seven suspects were detained, four locations were searched, and electronic devices, documents, and bank cards were secured.

Further investigations revealed that the group operated in various Polish cities. In 2021, an illegal printing facility was discovered in Katowice, leading to the arrest of individuals responsible for the production and distribution of counterfeit documents. Similar operations were conducted in Gdańsk and Kraków in subsequent years, resulting in the seizure of thousands of forged documents and production equipment. In total, 42 individuals were apprehended, with 8 placed in temporary detention, and assets worth 1 million PLN were secured.

Read Next: Cybersecurity Tools and Techniques for Individuals

This success is attributed to intensive international cooperation and the involvement of multiple agencies, including Europol, Polish Border Guards, and the prosecutor’s office. These efforts mark a significant step in combating international organized crime and document forgery.