NIA Apprehends Nepal National in Long-Running Fake Currency Racket
In a significant development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has successfully arrested Noor Mohammed, a Nepal national from Bara district, who had been evading authorities since 2014. The arrest, executed on Sunday in the Shahpur Patori area of Samastipur district, Bihar, marks a crucial step in dismantling a major fake Indian currency notes (FICN) network.
Details of the Case and Arrest
Noor Mohammed was wanted under a non-bailable warrant in a case registered by the NIA in June 2014. This case originated from the seizure of 4,988 counterfeit Rs 1,000 notes, with a total face value of Rs 49.88 lakh, at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport in April 2014. Investigations revealed that these superior-quality fakes were smuggled into India from Dubai on April 17 and 18 of that year.
Officials described the operation as a calculated attempt to undermine India’s financial system through the circulation of high-grade counterfeit currency. The arrest was made after extensive efforts by the NIA team, highlighting the agency's commitment to tackling cross-border financial crimes.
Role in the Criminal Network
According to NIA findings, Noor Mohammed played a pivotal role in a criminal network that conspired with others, including co-accused Ekramul Ansari and a Dubai-based Pakistani national, Syed Muhammad Shafi, also known as Shafi Chacha. The group was allegedly involved in the procurement, movement, distribution, and circulation of FICN across India.
Specifically, Noor Mohammed facilitated meetings among conspirators to coordinate the transport and delivery of the consignment. He also closely monitored the movement of the intercepted batch, demonstrating his integral involvement in the racket. A chargesheet was filed against him in November 2017 before the special court at Patiala House Courts in New Delhi.
Implications and Ongoing Investigation
This arrest is seen as a key breakthrough in cracking long-standing cross-border FICN networks, which are often linked to foreign elements aiming to destabilise the economy. Officials stated that the investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of the syndicate and uncover additional connections.
Noor Mohammed is currently in custody, and further interrogations are expected to yield more leads, potentially exposing other individuals involved in the racket. The NIA continues to work diligently to ensure that such threats to India's financial integrity are neutralised effectively.
