Lucknow: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday seized fake notes, paper used to print counterfeit currency, a printer and digital gadgets during raids in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Karnataka.
In UP, raids were conducted in Shahjahanpur as part of the NIA investigation in a case registered on November 24, 2023. The case relates to trafficking of fake Indian currency notes (FICN) across the border and promoting its circulation across India.
Sources said raids began from the premises of Vivek Thakur alias Aditya Singh in Shahjahanpur district. The premises of Mahendra in Ballari district of Karnataka, Shiva Patil alias Bhimrav in Maharashtra’s Yavatmal and Shashi Bhushan in Rohtas district of Bihar were also raided.
“Searches led to the seizure of FICN of face value of Rs 6,600 (in denomination of Rs 500, Rs 200 and Rs 100) and paper used to print fake notes from the house of Vivek Thakur. He along with Shiva Patil of Maharashtra and others used to procure fake currency and its printing accessories from bordering countries for circulation across India,” an NIA officer said.
Investigations revealed that one Rahul Tanaji Patil of Kolhapur in Maharashtra, whose place too was raided, was using fraudulently obtained SIM cards to take payments by promising to supply fake currency notes. The search at Mahendra’s house led to the seizure of a printer meant to be used for printing of FICN.
