Mumbai: Cops nab trio conning people under guise of currency swap

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.

A Crime Branch officer said, “On June 6, two gang members—identified as Abdul Sheikh and Faizal Sheikh—along with two unidentified accomplices approached the Barot with an offer to exchange R6 lakh for US dollars. After collecting the amount, they handed over the bundle of paper cut to the size of US currency notes and left. When Barot reached home and checked the bundle, he realised he had been cheated and immediately registered an FIR with the Samta Nagar police station.”

Under the supervision of Senior Police Inspector Balasaheb Raut of Crime Branch Unit 12, a special team comprising API Vijay Raskar, Police Constables Santosh Rane, Balkrishna Limhan, Santosh Bane, Amol Rane, Prasad Gorule and Chandrakant Shirsat, and drivers Sawant and Vipul Dhake was formed to track down the accused.

During the investigation, police used technical surveillance tools including CDR (Call Detail Record) analysis, location tracking, and CCTV footage, along with intelligence gathered from informants. The team received credible information that the suspects had returned to Dattani Park Road in Kandivli East to commit another crime. Acting swiftly, the Crime Branch Unit 12 team apprehended the trio. Upon interrogation, their involvement in the previous fraud was confirmed. 

Rs 6 L
Amount businessman was defrauded of

This article first appeared on Mid Day