With upcoming elections in India, intelligence agencies have cautioned about a surge in fake currency circulation. The Dawood Syndicate, operating from Pakistan, has escalated the production of counterfeit notes, which are being transported to Bangladesh and Nepal. Notably, Malda in West Bengal has emerged as a key hub for receiving fake currency from across the border.
Authorities have observed increased activity in Malda, indicating preparations for a substantial fake currency consignment from Bangladesh. Additionally, the Dawood Syndicate is planning to smuggle counterfeit currency through the Nepal border, prompting heightened vigilance. These illicit activities are exploiting the diverted security focus during the election period.
Efforts to curb this menace at the border are crucial, as once fake currency infiltrates the country, detection becomes extremely challenging. The quality of the counterfeit notes is remarkably high, produced using sophisticated printing technology. Forensic experts suggest that the notes are indistinguishable from genuine currency and are likely printed on specialized machines, funded by the Pakistani establishment.
The fake currency possesses impeccable watermark features, resembling notes printed using official currency machinery, typically owned by a state. Intelligence reports reveal that a significant amount of fake currency worth crores of Rupees has been funneled into Bangladesh, primarily through sea routes. The D Syndicate capitalizes on the lax security checks between Pakistan and Dhaka, facilitated by the latter’s lenient stance towards Islamabad.
While the sea route has become a preferred channel for smuggling arms and counterfeit currency into Bangladesh, the challenge lies in transporting these illicit funds into India. The D Company intends to exploit both the Nepal and Bangladesh borders for smuggling operations. Fake notes entering from Nepal are likely to be routed to Bihar, while those from Bangladesh will be directed to Malda for further distribution across the country.
As elections loom in states like Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry between March and May 2026, security agencies are on high alert. The focus is particularly intense in Malda and adjacent regions, anticipating significant fake currency inflows. The strategic distribution of counterfeit notes in states with scheduled elections poses a critical concern for law enforcement agencies.
