Ahmedabad, March 19: The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has achieved a significant breakthrough in dismantling a fake currency operation. Seven individuals, including a woman, have been arrested for producing and circulating counterfeit Indian currency, preventing substantial damage to the national economy.
Based on intelligence reports, the Crime Branch intercepted a white Fortuner vehicle (GJ-05-RS-5252) en route from Surat to the Amraiwadi area of Ahmedabad, carrying fake ₹500 notes. The police stopped the vehicle near Torrent Power in Amraiwadi. Upon searching the car, they discovered a black bag containing bundles of counterfeit currency, leading to the detention of all occupants.
Investigations revealed that the suspects had been printing fake currency at a residential location in Surat for the past four months. The operation was led by Mukeshbhai Lakhabhai Thummar, who had arranged the necessary infrastructure, including printers and paper-cutting machines. The group utilized digital payment gateways and platforms like Alibaba to source RBI-marked security thread paper from Chinese suppliers.
Additionally, the investigation uncovered that the design and features of the counterfeit notes were made to closely resemble genuine Indian currency using photo-editing software and AI-based platforms like ChatGPT. One of the accused was skilled in graphic editing and printing processes, which he used to enhance the quality of the fake notes.
Acting on the gathered intelligence, a team was dispatched to Surat, coordinating with the Surat Crime Branch to secure the location where the counterfeit currency was being printed. The operation took place at the ‘Shri Satya Yog Foundation’ ashram located in Dhoran Pardi village, Kamrej taluka, Surat district. The ashram’s guru, revered Aashtang Yog Siddh Sadguru Pradeep, was also arrested for his involvement in the operation.
During the raid, the Crime Branch seized several documents and equipment used for printing counterfeit currency. Approximately ₹2.10 crore worth of fake ₹500 notes (42,000 notes), the Fortuner vehicle valued at around ₹25 lakh, mobile phones, and cash worth approximately ₹1.20 lakh were recovered. From the Surat hideout, nearly ₹28 lakh worth of fake ₹500 notes, security thread paper (16 reams), printers, laptops, paper-cutting machines, note-counting machines, and other equipment were also confiscated.
All arrested individuals are residents of Surat and have been identified as Mukeshbhai Lakhabhai Thummar, Ashokbhai Dhanjibhai Mavani, Rameshbhai Vallabhbhai Bhalar, Divyesh Ishwarbhai Rana, Pradeepbhai Dilipbhai Jotangia, a female suspect from Kataragam, and Bharatbhai Valjibhai Kakadiya. They have been taken into custody, and a case has been registered at the DCB police station. The police are continuing their investigation to uncover a broader network, financial transactions, and potential interstate or international connections.
This operation has a critical impact on the country’s financial system. The circulation of high-quality counterfeit currency directly undermines public trust in legitimate currency, disrupts monetary stability, and can be used to finance organized crime and other illegal activities. The seizure of such a large quantity of counterfeit currency, along with the dismantling of an organized printing unit, effectively neutralizes a supply chain that could have flooded the market with fake currency.
By halting the distribution phase and identifying the sources of production, the Crime Branch has not only prevented immediate economic losses but also curtailed a significant network that could have expanded its operations. This case highlights the evolving methods of crime, involving international supply chains and digital tools. It further emphasizes the need for continuous vigilance and technological adaptation among law enforcement agencies.
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My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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