The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has uncovered a counterfeit currency racket, seizing fake notes worth ₹2.38 crore and arresting seven people, officials said on Friday. The operation spanned Ahmedabad and Surat, pointing to an organised network active for months.
Police said ₹2.10 crore in fake ₹500 notes was recovered in Ahmedabad after a white Toyota Fortuner was intercepted near Amraiwadi. Acting on specific intelligence, Crime Branch teams positioned themselves in advance.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Ajit Rajiyan said the vehicle was stopped between metro pillars 29 and 30. “Our teams were waiting for a white Fortuner car (GJ05 RS 5252). As soon as the vehicle reached between metro pillars 29 and 30, it was stopped. During the search, bundles of fake Rs 500 notes were found packed inside a white plastic box in a black bag”, he stated.
Officials noted that the serial numbers on the seized notes were different, suggesting a large-scale operation rather than isolated duplication.
Surat unit exposed
Further investigation led to a house in Surat’s Sarthana area, where counterfeit notes were allegedly being printed. In a joint raid with Surat Police, officers seized fake currency worth ₹28 lakh along with printers, ink and other materials used in production.
Police said the accused had been running the racket for around six months and was selling fake currency at a commission of 25 per cent.
Role of key accused
Among those arrested is Pradeep Jotangia, a yoga instructor linked to a Surat-based foundation. The main accused, Mukesh Thummar, is believed to have set up the printing unit at his residence.
Investigators said Thummar sourced specialised paper marked “RBI” and “Bharat” from Chinese suppliers through online platforms and made payments via digital gateways. He also used Photoshop-based techniques to design the notes, while AI tools were allegedly used to enhance their appearance.
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Seizures and ongoing probe
So far, police have recovered 42,000 fake ₹500 notes from Ahmedabad and 5,600 from Surat. Equipment seized includes an electric press machine, a note-counting machine, a laptop, paper-cutting machines and ink.
As per a report by India Today, officials are now tracking other members of the network and the intended recipients of the Ahmedabad consignment. They are also examining whether similar modules are operating elsewhere, as the materials were imported under the guise of stationery items.
