Two arrested in Navi Mumbai for printing fake currency notes

In Navi Mumbai, a 26-year-old named Prafull Patil was arrested for running a fake currency printing operation. Despite having only a class IX education, Patil managed to mint counterfeit notes after watching a YouTube video on currency printing. Living in the Taloja area, Patil set up a factory in his home to produce fake notes using a computer and printer.

For four months, Patil circulated fake currency without detection. His operation came to light when a suspicious shopkeeper reported him to the police. Acting on the tip, the Navi Mumbai Police’s crime branch laid a trap and arrested Patil in a midnight raid. They seized a total of 1,443 fake notes in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 rupees, amounting to 2 lakh rupees in counterfeit currency.
Patil confessed to printing and distributing fake notes due to financial difficulties. He had been living apart from his family for several days. The police were taken aback by the sophistication of Patil’s operation, especially considering his limited education. The investigation continues to determine the full extent of the counterfeit notes in circulation.
This incident highlights the ease with which information available on platforms like YouTube can be misused. Despite his young age and educational background, Patil exploited online resources to conduct illegal activities.
The police are now working to trace the fake notes he distributed and understand the complete impact of his actions.