3 arrested for making fake currency after learning it from YouTube tutorials

A three-member gang involved in printing and circulating fake Indian currency notes (FICN) has been busted by the Hyderabad Commissioner’s Task Force, with counterfeit notes with a face value of Rs 2.91 lakh seized from the accused.Police identified the arrested men as Ramavath Ramu alias Mohammed, 36, a Zomato delivery worker; Ramavath Mothilal, 35, a Rapido driver; and Ramavath Gandhi, 19, an auto-rickshaw driver. All three are residents of Telangana.Another alleged associate, Sudheer John Chela alias Vamshi, is absconding, police said.FROM FINANCIAL TROUBLES TO COUNTERFEIT CURRENCYAccording to police, Ramu allegedly turned to illegal activities after facing financial difficulties following disturbances in his family life. He later came into contact with his relative Mothilal. Investigators said the two learnt how to manufacture counterfeit currency by watching tutorials on YouTube and Instagram. During their online search, Mothilal allegedly found information on making fake notes and contacted a person whose phone number was displayed in one of the videos.Following the instructions they allegedly received, the accused purchased an Epson colour printer, scanner, bond paper and other materials to produce counterfeit Indian currency notes. Police said the accused also attempted to replicate security features, including the watermark and Mahatma Gandhi image, to make the fake notes resemble genuine currency.The gang circulated the counterfeit notes in small quantities at wine shops and vegetable markets, particularly during night hours.RS 2.91 LAKH IN FAKE NOTES SEIZEDPolice seized 1,124 counterfeit currency notes from the accused, with a total face value of Rs 2,91,100.The seized counterfeit currency comprised 437 Rs 500 notes, 648 Rs 100 notes and 39 Rs 200 notes.The police also seized four genuine Rs 500 notes and four genuine Rs 100 notes, which were allegedly being used as references while producing the counterfeit currency.PRINTER, SCANNER AND OTHER MATERIALS SEIZEDAmong the equipment and materials seized were an Epson L6460 colour printer, an Epson colour scanner, a laminator, a paper cutter, coloured liquids, paper bundles, printed Gandhi images, watermark paper and wrapping materials.Police also seized smartphones and a motorcycle allegedly linked to the operation.The three arrested accused and the seized material were handed over to police for further investigation. Sudheer John Chela alias Vamshi remains absconding.Police said the operation was carried out based on credible information.- EndsPublished On: Sep 3, 2026 18:21 IST