Lucknow, 2 Dec: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) confiscated phoney notes, currency printing paper, a printer, and digital devices in raids across four states on Saturday to dismantle phoney Indian Currency Notes (FICN) rackets operating around the nation.
The raids were part of an NIA investigation into a case that was filed on November 24, 2023. The case is part of a bigger scheme organized by suspects to smuggle FICN across borders and promote its proliferation in several Indian states. NIA personnel conducted raids in Shahjahanpur, UP, as well as Maharashtra, Bihar, and Karnataka.
According to sources, the raids began at the home of Vivek Thakur aka Aditya Singh in Shahjahanpur district and continued at the home of Mahendar in Ballari district of Karnataka, as well as other suspects Shiva Patil, Bhimrav in Yavatmal district of Maharashtra, and Shashi Bhushan in Rohtas district of Bihar.
The searches resulted in the recovery of FICN with a face value of Rs 6,600 (in denominations of Rs500, Rs200, and Rs100), as well as currency printing materials, from the residence of Vivek Thakur alias Aditya Singh. According to the NIA, he, together with Shiva Patil nicknamed Bhimrav and others, used to obtain counterfeit cash and printing supplies from surrounding nations for distribution across India.
According to NIA findings, Rahul Tanaji Patil was using illegally obtained SIM cards to solicit money by offering to give phoney cash notes. The search of Mahender’s home resulted in the confiscation of a printer intended for FICN. “Investigations continue in the case,” the NIA stated.
