Ahmedabad/Surat, March 19 (NationPress) A significant counterfeit currency operation has been dismantled by the Ahmedabad Crime Branch, resulting in the seizure of Rs 2.38 crore in fake Rs 500 notes and the arrest of seven individuals, including a woman. The arrests occurred on Wednesday night when officers stopped a white Toyota Fortuner near Torrent Power in Amraiwadi, acting on specific intelligence that counterfeit currency was being transported from Surat to Ahmedabad.

Upon searching the vehicle, authorities discovered bundles of counterfeit Rs 500 notes hidden in a black bag and concealed packaging, leading to the detention of all individuals present.

The arrested suspects include Mukesh Thummar, Ashok Mavani, Ramesh Bhalar, Divyesh Rana, Pradeep 'Guru' Jotangia, Bharat Kakadiya, all from Surat, as well as a woman from Katargam. Notably, Jotangia, who operates a yoga foundation, was apprehended while in possession of the counterfeit notes.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ajit Rajian stated that the operation was initiated based on intelligence received on March 18, confirming that the suspects were caught with a substantial amount of counterfeit currency while traveling to Ahmedabad.

Further investigation revealed that the group had been conspiring for the past four to six months to produce counterfeit notes at a residential location in Surat. The operation was spearheaded by Mukesh Thummar, who procured printers, paper cutting machines, and other necessary equipment, while the site posed as a stationery business.

"The counterfeit currency is of excellent quality. It is challenging to discern whether it is fake or real. They circulated it in local stores and small businesses," an official stated.

After the arrests, the Crime Branch, in conjunction with the Surat Crime Branch, executed a raid at the manufacturing location, uncovering additional counterfeit currency and equipment.

In Ahmedabad, authorities recovered 42,000 fake notes valued at approximately Rs 2.10 crore, along with the vehicle, mobile phones, and around Rs 1.20 lakh in cash. In Surat, counterfeit notes worth Rs 28 lakh were found, along with 16 reams of security thread paper, a printer, a laptop, a paper cutting machine, and a currency counting machine.

Initially, the total seizure was estimated at around Rs 2.60 crore, but roughly Rs 20 lakh worth of notes were deemed defective and unusable, reducing the final value of the counterfeit currency to Rs 2.38 crore.

Investigators noted that the accused had sourced specialized security thread paper mimicking Reserve Bank of India markings, including 'RBI' and 'Bharat', from Chinese suppliers via online platforms like Alibaba. The materials were shipped by air, disguised as stationery, with payments conducted through cryptocurrency.

The group utilized digital tools, including photo-editing software and AI-based platforms like ChatGPT, to refine the design and visual features of the counterfeit notes. One suspect possessed expertise in graphic design and printing processes, which contributed to the quality enhancement of the forged currency.

According to the Crime Branch, the operation began with small quantities of counterfeit notes being mixed into regular transactions, such as at grocery stores, before evolving into larger distributions.

Authorities estimate that approximately Rs 10 lakh worth of counterfeit currency may have already entered circulation. The suspects were transporting shipments from Surat to Ahmedabad, intending to distribute the fake notes to others for a commission of 20 to 25 percent.

Two individuals, including an agent who facilitated contact with Chinese suppliers, are currently at large and being pursued by authorities. The inclusion of a woman in the operation was believed to decrease suspicion during transport.

The vehicle used for transport was equipped with a government department plate, which is also under investigation. "The suspects have been apprehended and the process for obtaining their remand has commenced. All seized materials will undergo forensic examination, and further investigation is underway to uncover the broader network, financial trails, and any interstate or international connections," Rajian added.

Officials noted that financial transactions, including donations associated with the Pradeep Yog Foundation, are under scrutiny, and their properties are also being investigated. The Reserve Bank of India has been notified as part of the procedure. A case has been registered at the DCB Police Station, and inquiries are ongoing.