• Source:JND
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Ahmedabad Fake Currency Racket: The Ahmedabad Crime Branch busted a counterfeit currency racket involving the manufacture and circulation of fake Rs 500 notes. The officials seized Rs 2.38 crore in forged notes and arrested seven people, including a woman. Two suspects, including an agent who facilitated contact with Chinese handlers, remain at large and are being traced.

How Did Police Bust Raket?

According to police officials, on Wednesday night, they intercepted a white Toyota Fortuner near Torrent Power in Amraiwadi, acting on specific Intelligence that counterfeit currency was being transported from Surat to Ahmedabad for delivery.

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The search of the vehicle led to the recovery of bundles of fake Rs 500 notes concealed in a black bag and hidden packaging, and all occupants were detained at the scene. Police said a woman was included in the operation as the accused believed her presence would reduce suspicion during transport. The vehicle used for transport was fitted with a government department plate, which is also under investigation.

Yoga Guru's Link With The Racket

Those arrested have been identified as Mukesh Thummar, Ashok Mavani, Ramesh Bhalar, Divyesh Rana, Pradeep 'Guru' Jotangia, Bharat Kakadiya, all residents of Surat, along with a woman from Katargam. Jotangia, who runs a yoga foundation, was among those apprehended while transporting the notes. Officials said financial transactions, including donations linked to the Pradeep Yog Foundation, are being scrutinised, and their properties are also under investigation.

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How Does The Racket Operate?

Subsequent investigation revealed that the group had conspired over the past four to six months to manufacture counterfeit notes at a residential premises in Surat. The operation was led by Mukesh Thummar, who arranged printers, paper cutting machines and other equipment, while the premises outwardly functioned as a stationery unit.

"The fake currency is of high-quality. No one can easily identify whether it's fake or real. They used to circulate it in general stores, small shops, etc.," an official said. In Surat, counterfeit notes worth Rs 28 lakh, along with 16 reams of security thread paper, a printer, laptop, paper cutting machine and a currency counting machine were seized.

Role Of Alibaba And ChatGPT

Investigators said the accused had procured specialised security thread paper resembling Reserve Bank of India markings, including 'RBI' and 'Bharat', from Chinese sources through online platforms such as Alibaba. The materials were shipped by air disguised as stationery consignments, with payments made through cryptocurrency. The group used digital tools, including photo-editing software and AI-based platforms such as ChatGPT, to refine the design and visual features of the counterfeit notes. One of the accused had expertise in graphic design and printing processes, which were used to enhance the quality of the forged currency.

(With IANS inputs)


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