Pakistan’s ISI and its associates are intensifying efforts to infiltrate Indian markets with counterfeit currency, focusing on the Tripura-Bangladesh border and Punjab. Couriers are employed along the Bangladesh border, while drones are increasingly utilized in Punjab to distribute fake currency. The ISI’s dual strategy aims to harm India’s economy and raise funds for Pakistani terror groups.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is actively combating this issue, investigating cases not only at the border but also within West Bengal, particularly in Malda where numerous fake currency printing units operate. Intelligence suggests that the ISI may transition to using drones for dropping off counterfeit currency, although current attempts have been thwarted.
Authorities emphasize the need to dismantle fake currency printing units in West Bengal to address a significant part of the problem. Once this is achieved, attention can shift to border areas facilitating the smuggling of counterfeit currency. The ISI anticipates scrutiny on couriers transporting fake currency, prompting a potential shift towards drone-based operations.
As the NIA escalates its efforts, officials anticipate a shift towards a drone-centric approach by the ISI for smuggling counterfeit currency into India. Investigators foresee significant challenges ahead, particularly in detecting smaller payloads of fake currency transported by drones, which can evade radar and surveillance.
The ISI-backed groups are exploiting system vulnerabilities to introduce fake currency into India, currently in a testing phase. Once successful, these groups plan to scale up operations using multiple drones at regular intervals with smaller payloads to avoid detection. Security agencies are preparing to counter this evolving threat.
