Customs Officials Under Investigation in Ahmedabad Fake Currency Racket
Ahmedabad: In a significant development following the bust of a major fake Indian currency note (FICN) racket, investigators from the city crime branch have uncovered indications of possible involvement by customs officials. This suspected link has broadened the scope of the probe, placing customs personnel under intense scrutiny as authorities delve deeper into the case.
Details of the Counterfeit Operation
The racket, which involved a Surat-based yoga instructor and six others, centered on the procurement of high-grade paper from a supplier in China. According to officials, these consignments were falsely declared as regular stationery items. In reality, the sheets closely resembled security-thread-embedded currency paper, featuring pre-printed markings similar to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) security threads.
A senior crime branch officer explained, "The paper already carried RBI-like thread markings. The accused only needed to cut and print on it. Such consignments cannot pass through ports or airports without being cleared or overlooked at customs." This revelation has raised serious questions about potential lapses or complicity within customs procedures.
Recent Arrests and Seizures
Police arrested seven individuals, including yoga instructor Pradip Jotangiya, after seizing fake Rs 500 notes worth Rs 2.38 crore from an SUV in Amraiwadi last week. Subsequent searches at a Surat residence yielded additional counterfeit notes, along with printing equipment, cutters, and paper stock.
Investigators revealed that the accused planned to circulate the fake currency through land transactions and donations at mass marriage events. These methods were chosen to avoid detection and gain social influence. They were also in contact with angadias, through whom they intended to distribute the counterfeit notes.
Broader Implications and Previous Cases
This is the second instance in recent weeks where customs officials' alleged involvement has surfaced. Earlier this month, the crime branch busted an illegal exotic animal and bird trafficking racket in Navrangpura. Rare species were reportedly smuggled in through Chennai airport with customs clearance, highlighting gaps in scrutiny. Although no customs officer was listed as a complainant in that case, investigators had flagged procedural lapses.
In the current FICN racket, police have invoked sections related to counterfeiting, forgery, and criminal conspiracy. Further investigation is underway to identify the source of the specialized paper, trace the supply chain, and determine the role of any officials who may have facilitated the imports.
The widening probe underscores ongoing challenges in combating financial crimes and ensuring integrity within regulatory frameworks.
