In biggest haul after note ban, FICN of Rs 10 lakh seized

New Delhi: The FICN racket seems to have succeeded not just in printing the newly introduced Rs 2000 notes but also making them of such a fine quality that it could hardly be detected by naked eye. In yet another case, highly fine quality Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) of Rs 10 lakh, in the denomination of Rs 2,000, has been recovered from the possession of arrested Khalik Sheikh, highest after demonetisation. Earlier too, Delhi Police arrested suspects indulged in FICN racket and recovered fake currency in Rs 2000 denomination.

According to Special Cell, the recovered FICN appear to have been printed in a sophisticated printing unit having almost all the security features, including security thread and security watermark. It is very difficult for a common person to distinguish the recovered FICN from original currency. During surveillance by police, it was revealed that fine quality FICN is being smuggled in Malda, West Bengal through Indo-Bangla and Indo-Nepal porous border areas. From bordering districts of Malda, West Bengal, the active FICN racketeers translocate the FICN consignments across the country, including Delhi.

Khalik Sheikh, a resident of Malda, West Bengal was arrested on specific input from Anand Vihar railway station on January 21. "High-quality FICN in the denomination of Rs 2000 notes totalling to Rs 10 lakh was recovered from his possession at the spot. This is the biggest catch of FICN after demonetization. Case under relevant sections of IPC was registered at Special Cell, Delhi," said DCP, Special Cell, Sanjeev Yadav.

Khalik Sheikh used to buy FICN from Ashfaq, a resident of Bangladesh by paying Rs 40 per Rs 100 FICN and further supply it to his contacts for Rs 50-60 per Rs 100 of FICN. So far, he accepted to have delivered about four-five consignments of FICN amounting to more than Rs 20 lakh in Delhi and UP.