A counterfeit currency printing and distribution racket has been uncovered in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, following a joint operation by the Ecotech 1 police station team and the Special Operations Group. Officials apprehended three individuals actively involved in the illicit operation and recovered 2,549 counterfeit currency notes in the denomination of Rs 100, carrying a face value of Rs 2,54,900. Alongside the forged currency, the operation led to the seizure of a printing unit used to fabricate the notes, a paper cutting machine, four mobile phones, identity cards, various documents, and a Scorpio SUV used to transport the consignment.
Interception During Night Checking at Sirsa Roundabout
The arrests took place on Monday night when police personnel and SOG operatives were conducting vehicular inspection drills near the Sirsa roundabout. A Scorpio vehicle carrying three occupants was stopped after raising suspicion among checking teams. A detailed search of the vehicle and the individuals resulted in the recovery of the cash bundles. Upon closer inspection, officers discovered that all the recovered Rs 100 notes carried the exact same serial number. The suspects were transporting the consignment with the direct objective of circulating and selling the forged notes across local commercial markets.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Bunty Attri, Khushdil, and Upendra Kumar. All three suspects hail from different villages situated within the Aligarh district of Uttar Pradesh.
Modus Operandi: High-Res Scanning and Canara Bank Slips
Detailing the manufacturing process, ADCP Abhay Mishra explained that the suspects began by scanning an authentic Rs 100 currency note to capture its design and details. Using this digital scan, identical counterfeit copies carrying the identical serial number were generated through a printer. The printed sheets were subsequently trimmed to standard currency dimensions using a dedicated cutting machine.
To bypass visual scrutiny while circulating the currency, the accused devised a deceptive packaging tactic. They assembled bundles composed almost entirely of counterfeit notes, placing authentic currency notes only on the top and bottom of each stack. Furthermore, to make the packets appear as authentic banking consignments, the gang attached Canara Bank deposit slips to both ends of the bundle using rubber bands. This presentation allowed them to pass off fake cash wads to unsuspecting traders and shopkeepers without raising immediate alarm.
Production Learned From Social Media Video Reels
Interrogation revealed that the suspects acquired the know-how to fabricate fake notes by watching video reels on Instagram. The trio had been operating the illicit counterfeiting setup for approximately the past three months. According to details shared with investigators, the production cost of manufacturing a single Rs 100 counterfeit note stood at around Rs 15. The gang had already defrauded multiple individuals by pushing these fake notes into circulation, and authorities are continuing their investigation to identify additional recipients and associated trade points.
