Fake Currency Racket Busted After NIA Raids Multiple Locations In These 4 States

New Delhi: A network involved in production and circulation of Fake Indian currency notes (FICNs) was busted on Saturday after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids across four states.

Fake notes worth Rs 6,600 (Rs 500, Rs 200 and Rs 100 denomination) were confiscated along with currency printing paper, printers and digital gadgets.

The NIA, acting on the basis of a case registered on November 24, targeted individuals in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Bihar who were believed to be part of a bigger conspiracy to traffic fake currency notes across borders as well as promote circulation in several Indian states.

NIA teams zeroed in on the premises of key suspects including Rahul Tanaji Patil and Shiva Patil in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur and Yavatmal districts, respectively, Vivek Thakur in UP’s Shahjahanpur district, Mahendar in Karnataka’s Ballari district and Shashi Bhushan in Bihar’s Rohtas district.

The fake notes were confiscated from Vivek’s residence, while a printer was seized from Mahendar’s house.

Vivek, Shiva and others procured fake currency printing accessories from neighbouring countries.

Investigation also revealed Rahul Tanaji Patil used fraudulently-obtained SIM cards to receive payments, promising supply of fake currency notes.