KARACHI: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has apprehended two suspects, Wasim and Nasir, for running a fake currency racket in Pakistan and millions of rupees in the form of counterfeit notes were recovered from their possession.
During investigation, the suspects revealed that counterfeit notes are being brought from India and Afghanistan whereas, they were part of an inter-provincial network.
They further disclosed that they bought fake currency from a Lahore-based group which sold notes worth Rs1 lac in Rs30,000 only.
Sources privy to development stated that Lahore-based group has also been traced by the investigation agency. The group, through its accomplices, has proliferated counterfeit notes worth millions in cities like Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar and Hyderabad among many others. Mastermind of the group often travels to Karachi.
Latest developments revealed FIA had obtained call-data-record (CDR) of arrested persons through which agency was monitoring movement of other offenders of group in Punjab.
Being aware of critical situation, federal government has granted special powers to all law enforcement agencies aimed at stern crackdown against culprits involved in this illicit practice. SBP has penned a letter to FIA in this regard urging to expedite countrywide operation.
It should be recalled that State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has directed all banks to install latest ATM machines capable of detecting counterfeit notes. SBP has also initiated an awareness campaign.—APP
