Six Moldovans and a Syrian citizen aged between 20 and 43 were arrested on suspicion that they illegally introduced into Moldova money stolen from cash machines in the European Union. If they are found guilty, they will serve 3 to 15 years in jail, IPN reports.

Valeriu Bodean, deputy chief prosecutor of the Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime and Special Cases, told a news conference that the offenders treated chemically the money before putting them into circulation so as not to be identified. These were caught red-handed.

According to Igor Zglavuta, division head at the National Investigations Inspectorate, the group caught the attention of the police at the end of last December, after a warning was received from Europol. The group that specialized in the chemical treatment of banknotes included a citizen of Syrian origin, who has pharmaceutical studies. Several years ago, this graduated from the University of Medicine in Chisinau.

Each of the seven members played a role. Two of them stole money, another one transported the money to Moldova, while the fourth received it. The last three rented apartments in Chisinau, found chemicals and treated the banknotes. Igor Zglavuta said the group has very close ties with other groupings operating in ex-Soviet states.

Ion Talmazan, deputy head of the General Investigations Division of the General Police Inspectorate, said that euro bills totaling over €17,000, most of which were marked with red paint, chemicals and different tools, including masks and gloves, were seized during the searches carried out at the homes and in the cars of the suspects.

A criminal case was started against the suspects.