Criminals in Gujarat Caught Printing Fake Australian Currency!

Ahmedabad : After the crackdown on fake Indian currency notes, criminals in Gujarat have shifted their focus to forging foreign currencies. In a landmark operation, the Gujarat Special Operations Group (SOG) busted a racket that was printing counterfeit Australian currency. This marks the first reported case of foreign currency forgery in Ahmedabad and has led to the arrest of four individuals, including an Australian citizen.

The operation was uncovered when the SOG detained Ronak Rathore, an Australian citizen, based on a tip-off that he was attempting to sell counterfeit currency. During interrogation, Rathore revealed that he had downloaded an image of a $50 Australian note from the internet. Using specialized printing equipment and software, he and his associates began producing fake Australian dollars in a warehouse located in Platinum Estate, Vatva.

The SOG raided the warehouse and seized 151 counterfeit Australian dollar notes and 18 sheets of partially printed fake currency ready for circulation. Alongside the fake notes, police also confiscated computers, laptops, seven mobile phones, pen drives, printing materials, and cash.

The investigation revealed that Rathore was working with three accomplices: Khush Patel, Maulik Patel, and Dhruv Desai. Each had a specific role in the operation. Khush Patel supplied the fake notes to Rathore, while Maulik Patel orchestrated the entire scheme, including managing the printing setup in the Vatva warehouse. Dhruv Desai facilitated logistical support for the operation.

The operation came to light when Rathore, struggling with personal debts, sought to clear them using counterfeit currency. Acting on intelligence, the SOG detained him and traced the supply chain back to Khush Patel. This led to the identification of Maulik Patel as the mastermind.

“This case is significant as it highlights an alarming shift toward foreign currency forgery,” said an SOG spokesperson. “The use of advanced printing techniques and software underscores the need for heightened vigilance against such operations.”

The police have arrested all four accused, who are currently in custody as further investigations continue. Authorities suspect the gang might have planned to circulate the fake currency internationally, which could have had broader implications.