A major counterfeit currency racket has been spreading across India, driven by criminal networks in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. These cartels are importing large amounts of fake currency, mainly through the Malda border areas. The carriers bring these fake notes into the country, often purchasing them at significantly lower prices. Recently, the cost of one lakh rupees worth of counterfeit notes has dropped from 40,000-45,000 rupees to just 30,000-35,000 rupees. Inferior quality counterfeit notes are even available for as low as 25,000 rupees.

According to police sources, Malda’s border area is a hotspot for the entry of counterfeit currency, with several lakhs worth of fake notes entering the region on a daily basis. Despite several raids based on intelligence reports, the smugglers often manage to evade capture before authorities can reach them. Previously, the counterfeit trade would slow down during certain times of the year, but this year, the illegal activity has remained constant. Counterfeit notes, particularly those of 200 and 500 rupees, are being widely produced in Bangladesh, with the help of advanced technology, making them nearly indistinguishable from the real currency.

The counterfeit notes are being transported through various channels by Bihar and Uttar Pradesh cartels, who have found new ways to circulate these fake notes across the country. Intelligence sources suggest that Pakistan’s intelligence agencies have been involved in using advanced technology to create counterfeit notes in Bangladesh, which are now entering India via the Bangladesh-Bihar border. Despite several arrests of masterminds in the Malda and Murshidabad areas, these criminal networks are still thriving and spreading counterfeit currency through sophisticated methods.