Bhaskar reporter exposes counterfeit cash network:Strikes ₹5 cr deal with brokers; ₹10 lakh fake notes for ₹1 lakh delivery anywhere

Ordinary fake notes are easily caught, but our notes are not even caught by machines. This claim is made by an alleged counterfeiter, who identifies himself as a resident of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Bhaskar’s investigation revealed that an organised network claiming to supply fake notes is active on social media. This network lures customers with promises of huge profits and fake currency that appears genuine. People linked to it claim they possess large quantities of counterfeit notes and can supply them across the country. The reporter contacted them through social media. During conversations, some offered ₹10 lakh in fake currency for ₹1 lakh, while others promised home delivery on a 50% advance payment. Notably, investigative agencies are unaware of any such network. Read in Sunday Story, how social media platforms have become an alleged medium for the fake currency business. Bhaskar’s Investigation: Conversation with three suspects active on social media To investigate the network, the reporter, posing as a customer, contacted three suspects active on Instagram. During the conversation, several claims related to the alleged supply and delivery of counterfeit notes emerged. Upon contacting a number found on Instagram, the person identified himself as a resident of Jaipur. He claimed home delivery after online payment. Reporter: I need ₹500 notes. How much can you provide? Broker: As much as you want, but first we need to build trust. Reporter: What is the rate? Broker: For ₹1 lakh, you’ll get ₹5 lakh in counterfeit notes. Reporter: How will the delivery happen? Broker: Home delivery. But for the first deal, 50% payment must be sent in advance through a wallet. Reporter: We need up to ₹5 crore. Can you arrange it? Broker: I can provide ₹1 crore immediately. Confirm the order, and I’ll arrange the full ₹5 crore within 2-3 days. Reporter: Where do the notes come from? Broker: We print them ourselves in Jaipur. The person allegedly shared videos of bundles of notes. He claimed that they are difficult to identify. He also mentioned having several clients in Madhya Pradesh. The second person identified himself as a resident of Maharashtra. He proposed meeting at the Burhanpur border to finalise the deal. Reporter: How big a deal can you handle? Broker: Work up to one crore rupees can be done easily, provided there is complete trust in the other party. Reporter: Do you print these notes yourself, or do you procure them from somewhere? Broker: We import these notes directly from Nepal. After the conversation, the person shared a live location and a video of a bag full of alleged notes. The third suspect made several claims regarding the quality of the notes. He claimed that his notes are not even detected by machines. Broker: The quality of our notes is completely different; even machines cannot detect them. Reporter: What is its guarantee? Broker: First, take a small sample and check it. If you are satisfied, then you can proceed with a larger deal. Reporter: How will you send the sample? Broker: You will get fourteen thousand fake notes in exchange for two thousand genuine rupees. Send one thousand rupees in advance, and I will arrange the delivery. Reporter: Will delivery be available in Bhopal? Broker: Yes, we have an agent in Bhopal. Through him or by courier, the parcel will reach you in one or two days. The person allegedly also shared photos and videos related to courier delivery. Supply of counterfeit notes or advanced fraud? According to cyber expert Yashdeep Chaturvedi, in many cases, such gangs extort money in advance by luring people with fake notes. Later, they break contact. Since the victim himself is involved in an illegal transaction, he often avoids complaining. Officers have no information about such networks Officials have currently received limited complaints regarding such accounts active on social media. SP Pranay Nagwanshi of the State Cyber Crime Wing stated that no written complaint regarding fake currency deals or related fraud through social media has been received so far.