Indian agencies have noted a significant increase in counterfeit currency seizures, indicating a rise in activities by organized networks. These networks, possibly linked to Dawood Ibrahim’s syndicate in Pakistan, are now instructing operatives in India to locally produce fake notes instead of relying on traditional smuggling routes through Pakistan and Bangladesh.
This shift in strategy suggests a deliberate effort to escalate production, with a coordinated plan to undermine the Indian economy. Recent months have witnessed numerous seizures in border areas due to heightened security measures. Additionally, there is a growing trend of intercepting attempts to drop counterfeit currency using drones.
Intelligence Bureau officials have revealed that the syndicate is instructing its Indian operatives to print fake notes locally and circulate them within the market. To avoid detection, these operatives are advised to keep their operations small but frequent, ensuring a steady flow of counterfeit currency while evading scrutiny. The syndicate members are also constantly changing their locations to evade tracking by law enforcement agencies.
The tightening security along the Bangladesh border has made it increasingly challenging for smugglers to transport counterfeit currency into India. Consequently, the syndicate is now focusing on expanding printing operations across multiple states, including Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Punjab. Previous operations in Malda, West Bengal, known for producing high-quality counterfeit notes, were disrupted following intensified actions by investigative agencies.
Officials have reported a significant decrease in printing capacity in Malda after rigorous investigations by agencies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Efforts are underway to smuggle raw materials required for setting up new production units to boost local counterfeit currency production. While the syndicate is shifting towards domestic printing, the use of drones to transport fake currency across borders is expected to persist.
In a recent incident, the Border Security Force (BSF) and Amritsar Police confiscated counterfeit currency amounting to Rs 2.5 lakh, believed to be a trial run. The use of drones for smuggling fake currency, alongside drugs and arms, has raised concerns due to their ability to evade radar and surveillance systems. Officials emphasize that the circulation of counterfeit currency aims to fund terror activities and inflict economic harm.
