Chandigarh: The Chandigarh Police Crime Branch received a tip-off about the supply of counterfeit currency in the city and laid a trap to apprehend the culprits.
Three Accused from Different States Taken into Custody
The arrested individuals have been identified as Avinash Kumar from Jammu and Kashmir, Satyam Vishwakarma from New Delhi, and Sandeep from Haryana.
Counterfeit Notes Printed Using a Printer, Supplied to Cities
The gang used a printer to print counterfeit ₹100 and ₹500 notes and attempted to circulate them first in Lucknow and later in Chandigarh.
Mastermind Learned Counterfeiting from Social Media
Police investigation revealed that the alleged mastermind, Avinash Kumar, learned the technique of printing counterfeit notes by watching videos on social media platforms.
Counterfeit Notes Tested in the Market Before Mass Production
Initially, the accused tested a small number of counterfeit notes in the local market. When they weren’t caught, they began printing currency in bulk. Gang Expanded Operations with the Help of Friends
Facing difficulties in circulation, Avinash roped in his friends Satyam and Sandeep, after which the gang expanded its network and supply.
Counterfeit Notes Worth ₹2 Lakh and Printer Recovered
Police recovered counterfeit notes worth ₹2 lakh and also seized the printer used in the counterfeiting operation. Officials say that notes worth over ₹1 crore had already been printed.
Remand Obtained to Uncover the Entire Network
The accused have been sent to police custody, and investigators are probing the buyers, prices, circulation routes, and potential foreign links.
Investigation into Potential Foreign Links Underway
Police suspect international links, especially after previous cases where materials used for counterfeit notes were sourced from China. Investigation underway into links to previous counterfeit case
Investigators are examining possible links to a counterfeit currency case that surfaced three months ago, in which the materials were allegedly imported from China.