NIA Arrests Nepali National Involved in 2014 Counterfeit Currency Case
Synopsis
In a significant development, the NIA has apprehended a Nepali national who had been evading capture since 2014 for his role in a counterfeit currency scheme linked to Pakistan. This case highlights the ongoing battle against transnational financial crimes.
Key Takeaways
Noor Mohammed was arrested after being on the run for nearly a decade.
The case involves a conspiracy to circulate counterfeit currency in India.
A total of 4,988 counterfeit notes were recovered, valued at almost Rs 50 lakh.
The NIA is actively pursuing further investigations into transnational counterfeit networks.
This case highlights the significant challenges posed by international financial crime.
New Delhi, March 1 (NationPress) In a significant development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended a Nepali national who had been evading capture since 2014, in connection with a counterfeit Indian currency case involving a Pakistani national based in Dubai, as confirmed by an official.
The suspect, Noor Mohammed, hailing from the Bara district of Nepal, was taken into custody on Sunday in the Shahpur Patori area of Samastipur, Bihar, where he was found carrying a non-bailable warrant (NBW) for his arrest.
The NIA had previously filed charges against him at its special court located in Patiala House Courts, New Delhi, back in November 2017.
This case, registered as RC-02/2014/NIA/DLI, was initiated in June 2014 following the seizure of 4,988 high-quality counterfeit Indian currency notes with a face value of Rs 49,88,000 in April 2014.
The counterfeit currency was intercepted at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, after being smuggled into the country from Dubai on April 17 and 18, 2014.
The investigation by the NIA revealed that Noor Mohammed was involved in a criminal conspiracy with co-accused Ekramul Ansari and others, including the Pakistani national Syed Muhammad Shafi (also known as Shafi Chacha), to procure, transport, supply, and circulate counterfeit Indian currency notes (FICN) within India.
This conspiracy was aimed at destabilizing the country's monetary system, with Noor Mohammed facilitating meetings among the conspirators for the distribution and supply of FICN.
Investigators found that he closely monitored the delivery of the seized counterfeit currency.
Further inquiries into this case are ongoing.
In an unrelated matter, on February 6 of this year, the NIA submitted a charge sheet against Md. Fasi Uddin, a Hyderabad resident, in relation to the seizure of counterfeit currency notes in Banjariya, located in Bihar's Champaran district, which unveiled a transnational counterfeit currency operation linked to networks in Pakistan and Nepal.
The NIA reported that Md. Fasi Uddin was an active participant in an international network engaged in the procurement, trafficking, and distribution of counterfeit currency designed to undermine India's economic stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested by the NIA?
The NIA arrested Noor Mohammed, a Nepali citizen, who had been absconding since 2014.
What was the nature of the case?
The case involves the circulation of high-quality counterfeit Indian currency notes linked to a Pakistani national.
When was the case registered?
The NIA registered the case in June 2014 after recovering counterfeit currency notes.
Where was the counterfeit currency seized?
The counterfeit currency was seized at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.
Is the investigation ongoing?
Yes, further investigations into the case are currently ongoing.
