Source IANS: India’s security agencies have identified a widening network of entry points and distribution hubs for fake currency, raising concerns over the scale and sophistication of operations across multiple regions of the country.
Investigations indicate that the earlier route of pushing counterfeit currency into Nepal from Pakistan before entering India has lost prominence following increased vigilance along the Nepal border. The focus subsequently shifted to Malda in West Bengal, where agencies found the presence of organised printing units. These units reportedly sourced materials through the Bangladesh border and produced fake notes locally before circulating them.
Officials now say the network has expanded beyond a few traditional hubs. In West Bengal, Murshidabad and Nadia have emerged as additional centres of activity. At the same time, distribution and circulation points have spread across Coastal Andhra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat, Delhi, and Maharashtra, reflecting a broader, decentralised approach.
Inputs from agencies also point to the role of international routes, with counterfeit notes originating from Dubai and entering southern parts of India. The network is believed to operate under the control of the syndicate led by Dawood Ibrahim, with officials stating that the operation has expanded across regions following strategic directives.
Authorities have linked the expansion to efforts by Inter-Services Intelligence to scale up production and distribution. Officials say this has resulted in a rise in fake currency cases being detected across the country, with the syndicate adopting a region-specific model to minimise detection risks.
Technology has emerged as a critical tool in the network’s operations. Agencies have found that social media platforms are being used to negotiate deals, including cases reported from Maharashtra’s Malkapur, Pune, and Bhiwandi. In addition, artificial intelligence tools are being used to gather information on improving note quality and evading enforcement.
The sourcing of materials remains a key component of the operation. Officials said that supplies have traditionally been linked to Pakistan, including procurement channels associated with the Pakistan Security Printing Corporation in Karachi. More recently, Chinese-sourced paper has also entered the supply chain, adding to enforcement challenges.
Investigations suggest that the network is designed to function with minimal interconnection between regional units. By limiting interaction and shortening transportation routes, operators aim to reduce exposure and lower the risk of detection. Regions such as West Godavari and East Godavari in Andhra Pradesh have emerged as important distribution hubs, with notes circulated largely within southern states.
Agencies say the evolving structure of the network indicates a shift towards a more fragmented yet coordinated system, requiring increased vigilance and targeted enforcement across multiple regions.
