Authorities in Crete are investigating a suspected counterfeit banknote circulation ring after the arrest of a 24-year-old Brazilian woman in Agios Nikolaos.
The case came to light when port authority officers detected a fake banknote during a transaction at a restaurant located within the port land zone of the coastal town. According to state broadcaster ERT, the incident occurred while two Brazilian women, aged 22 and 24, dined with a Greek friend at a well-known restaurant near the city’s lagoon.
After finishing their meal, the 24-year-old paid the bill using a €200 banknote. The restaurant owner initially accepted the payment but soon noticed irregularities in the texture of the note. A closer inspection confirmed that the banknote was counterfeit.
The restaurant owner immediately alerted the Agios Nikolaos Port Authority, which holds jurisdiction over the coastal zone. Officers escorted the 24-year-old woman for questioning, while the 22-year-old woman and their Greek companion were released after authorities found no evidence linking them to any offense.
During the preliminary investigation, the 24-year-old told authorities that she had received the counterfeit banknote from a private individual in Heraklion. Officers also discovered that she possessed a second counterfeit €200 banknote, allegedly obtained from the same person.
Authorities have launched an investigation to trace the origin of the fake currency and identify the individual who supplied the counterfeit banknotes. Local business owners have expressed concern following the incident, citing fears of increased circulation of fake currency in the area.
In an official statement, the Hellenic Coast Guard confirmed that officers arrested the 24-year-old Brazilian national on the evening of Thursday, January 29, 2026, for violations of Articles 207 and 208 of the Penal Code, which relate to currency counterfeiting and the circulation of counterfeit money.
The Agios Nikolaos Port Authority continues to conduct the preliminary investigation.
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