News Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids in four states, uncovering a network involved in the printing and distribution of counterfeit Indian currency notes (FICNs), India Today reported.

Counterfeit currency with a total value of Rs 6,600 (in denominations of Rs 500, Rs 200, and Rs 100) was seized, along with currency printing materials, printers, and digital devices, media reports said.

The NIA's raids followed after a case was registered on November 24 under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The raids targeted people suspected of being part of a broader conspiracy involved in trafficking counterfeit currency notes across borders and facilitating their circulation in various states of India.

Based on a tip-off, NIA teams raided the residences of key suspects in various states.

They were identified as Rahul Tanaji Patil in Maharashtra's Kolhapur district, Shiva Patil in Yavatmal district, Vivek Thakur in Uttar Pradesh's Shahjahanpur district, Mahendar in Karnataka's Ballari district, and Shashi Bhushan in Bihar's Rohtas district, the report said.

The counterfeit currency was found at Vivek Thakur's residence, according to the report.

The investigation revealed that Vivek Thakur, along with Shiva Patil and others, procured fake currency and printing materials from neighbouring countries for circulation within India. The printer was seized from Mahendar's house.

Further investigation revealed that Rahul Tanaji Patil used fake SIM cards to receive payments for the supply of counterfeit currency notes.