In a significant move, Maharashtra Cyber has exposed a network using Instagram to advertise and sell Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN). The authorities revealed that various accounts on the platform were sharing misleading content to entice users into illegal transactions, promising quick and unrealistic financial benefits. Two individuals, Rahul Anil Pawar and Yogita Hitesh Bhosale, have been arrested in connection with the case, and multiple FIRs have been filed against Instagram accounts involved in promoting counterfeit currency.
Maharashtra Cyber has been actively monitoring social media platforms to identify and prevent illicit digital activities. Recently, the agency identified certain Instagram accounts engaged in promoting Fake Indian Currency Notes through deceptive content. These accounts were found posting objectionable material to attract individuals into illegal dealings related to counterfeit currency, often by offering false monetary returns.
Officials emphasized that Fake Indian Currency Notes are often associated with organized crime syndicates and various illegal activities like money laundering and terror financing. The circulation and use of counterfeit currency can support anti-national elements and illicit operations, posing not just financial risks but also threats to internal and national security.
Following the discovery of such content, Maharashtra Cyber took action by identifying the accounts and issuing removal notices under the Information Technology Act, 2000. Additionally, notices were sent under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to obtain details of the account holders involved in these unlawful activities. Several FIRs have been registered against Instagram accounts promoting Fake Indian Currency Notes, with efforts underway to identify and apprehend other individuals linked to the network.
Maharashtra Cyber continues its vigilance on platforms like Instagram and Telegram to detect accounts involved in the promotion or circulation of Fake Indian Currency Notes, aiming to take legal action promptly against those engaged in such activities. The agency reaffirmed its dedication to protecting the digital ecosystem, combating cyber-enabled financial crimes, and preserving the integrity of lawful financial and digital systems.
