The Crime Branch Unit 12 has arrested three individuals involved in a counterfeit foreign currency racket that was operational for the past few years. In 2024, the accused duped a Kandivli-based businessman by promising to exchange Indian currency for US dollars. They handed over a wrapped-up bundle of ordinary paper cut to match the size of US currency notes and quickly left with Rs 6 lakh the businessman had given them.

The arrested accused—Shahid Mojbul Haq Sheikh alias Abdul, 45, Noor Alam Aynul Sheikh, 38, and Shahjahan Irshad Sheikh, 44—are all residents of Jharkhand. The Crime Branch seized three mobile phones, R8820 in cash, and $7 from the accused. The gang was caught red-handed while attempting to con another Kandivli resident. According to the police, the complaint was filed regarding the incident that took place between 8.00 am and 8.30 am on June 6, 2024, near Ashok Nagar Bus Stop in Kandivli East. The accused met the complainant, Bhavesh Gunvantlal Barot,43, under the pretext of exchanging Indian rupees for US dollars.