In a sweeping crackdown on counterfeit currency operations, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled seven additional modules engaged in printing fake Indian currency notes. The raids, conducted simultaneously across Maharashtra, Haryana, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh, led to the arrest of nine individuals and the seizure of sophisticated printing equipment and counterfeit notes.
Building on earlier operations, DRI intensified its efforts following the arrest of two key figures on February 8 in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, and Bengaluru, Karnataka. These individuals were identified as the importers of high-quality security paper embedded with inscriptions of ‘RBI’ and ‘Bharat.’ A subsequent raid on February 9 uncovered illegal printing facilities in Thane, Maharashtra, and Bhiwani, Haryana, resulting in the arrest of three more suspects.
The latest wave of enforcement action saw DRI teams uncover a clandestine printing operation in Vikhroli West, Mumbai. In a densely populated area, investigators seized fake currency in 50 and 100-rupee denominations, along with laptops, printers, security paper, and specially treated sheets featuring watermarks of Mahatma Gandhi. Authorities arrested the individual operating the facility and confiscated all materials for further investigation.
Further raids in Sangamner and Kolhapur districts exposed similar setups where counterfeit currency was being produced using advanced printers and computers. Law enforcement arrested two suspects and seized all contraband. Information gathered from the Kolhapur raid led to another bust in Belgaum, where three more individuals were apprehended with counterfeit printing materials.
The crackdown extended to West Godavari in Andhra Pradesh, Khagaria in Bihar, and Rohtak in Haryana, where DRI traced the importers of restricted security paper. Authorities confiscated laptops, printers, and restricted printing materials, leading to three additional arrests.
All suspects are in custody, and further investigations are underway under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The DRI remains committed to dismantling counterfeit currency networks and ensuring national financial security.
