observatornews.ro/extern/frauda-de-sute-de-mii-in-

A group of at least seven Romanians is suspected of defrauding Austria's bottle return system with around 600,000 counterfeit bottles, resulting in significant financial losses. The scheme was uncovered when a 29-year-old attempted to cash in fraudulent return receipts at a supermarket. Investigators found a large quantity of fake reusable bottles in his vehicle. The group reportedly operated from late January to mid-March 2026, returning counterfeit bottles across Austria. Two suspects were arrested in Romania, while three others remain at large. The convicted individual received a 15-month prison sentence, with ten months suspended.