Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Aug 19: In a significant operation, Mangaluru CCB police have dismantled an inter-state counterfeit currency racket operating from Kerala. Four individuals involved in printing and circulating fake Rs 500 notes were apprehended in Mangaluru's Clock Tower area. The accused, hailing from Kasargod district, had been printing these fake notes in Kasargod and were attempting to circulate them in the city.

Acting on a tip-off, the CCB team raided a lodge near the Clock Tower and arrested the culprits, who were caught in possession of Rs 2,13,500 worth of fake Rs 500 notes, along with four mobile phones. The arrested individuals are V Priyesh from Karichery, Vinod Kumar K from Kallukandam House, Abdul Khader S A from Shifan Manzil, and Ayub Khan from Belyur Katte.

Priyesh, who owns a printing press in Charakkal, Kasargod, was identified as the mastermind behind the operation. He sourced raw materials from Kozhikode and Delhi and learned the technique of printing counterfeit notes through YouTube, with the intention of making quick money. The gang was planning to circulate the counterfeit currency in Mangaluru.

Further investigations are underway to identify other members involved in the racket. The seized items include Rs 2,13,500 worth of counterfeit Rs 500 notes, Rs 9,030 in cash, two black mobile phones of a well-known brand valued at Rs 30,000, a blue mobile phone worth Rs 1,000, and a black mobile phone of a reputed brand valued at Rs 10,000.

The operation was led by CCB ACP Geetha D Kulkarni, along with inspectors Shyam Sundar H M, CCB PSIs Narendra and Sudeep, ASI Mohan K V, Ram Poojari, Sheenappa, Sujan Shetty, and other CCB unit staff.