Sebastian Ivan and Cosmin Făt, both seasoned fraudsters from Oradea, have been detained after a failed attempt to circulate counterfeit currency. Last week, police caught the duo in Satu Mare with nearly 100,000 fake euros and francs. In addition to the money found on them, authorities discovered another 404,000 counterfeit euros in their car.

The counterfeit notes were so poorly produced that they would not have fooled even a casual observer, let alone a trained cashier. This botched operation is the latest in a series of illegal activities for Ivan and Făt, who have previously made attempts to purchase contraband with fake money. Făt has already served a prison sentence. Ivan received a suspended sentence in the past.

Given the low quality of the counterfeit bills, the charges against them might lean towards fraud rather than circulating forged currency.

Following their arrest, judges in Satu Mare have ordered a 30-day pre-trial detention for both suspects as the investigation continues.