Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has intensified its search for Zamirul, suspected to be the mastermind behind a network involved in procuring and circulating high-quality counterfeit Indian currency.Earlier, on Aug 8, Zamirul’s younger brother Raja alias Sameerul and his associate Azim Khan were arrested in Lucknow.The suspects were accused of running a counterfeit currency network sourcing fake Indian currency from Malda in West Bengal, near the India-Bangladesh international border, and transporting it to Uttar Pradesh for circulation.The ATS recovered 201 counterfeit Rs 500 notes with a total face value of Rs 1,00,500 from the accused.According to investigators, Zamirul is suspected to have played a key role in coordinating the procurement and movement of counterfeit currency, with his younger brother acting as one of the links in the network. The ATS is now attempting to ascertain Zamirul’s whereabouts and establish the precise hierarchy and operational structure of the racket.Preliminary investigation has indicated that the suspected network may have been using Malda region as a sourcing point before moving counterfeit notes through different routes into Uttar Pradesh.The ATS is also questioning Sameerul and Azim to determine whether they had previously circulated fake currency in Uttar Pradesh or elsewhere.Officials suspect that the racket may have been operating across state boundaries, exploiting established routes between West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. The agency is also probing whether the counterfeit currency was being circulated through specific districts or markets and whether the network had links with other organised criminal groups.The ATS is also analysing the accused’s communication records and financial transactions to trace their contacts and identify the larger network.
