Counterfeit currency dealer held with fake notes worth Rs. 11 lakhs in Nampally

Hyderabad: The Commissioner’s Task Force, Central Zone team, along with Nampally Police, on February 1, 2025, apprehended an individual involved in the illegal printing and circulation of counterfeit currency near Sri Ganesh Tiffin Centre, Bazar Ghat, Nampally, on credible information.

The accused, identified as 38-year-old Pabbati Murali Krishna, a businessman from Khammam, Telangana, and native of Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, was found in possession of counterfeit Indian currency in Rs. 500 denomination, valued at Rs. 11,10,500.

In addition to the counterfeit notes, the police seized a computer system, a black-and-white printer, a scanning and color printer, a laminating/heat machine, a paper cutter, a screen-printing wooden frame, and various other tools used in the production of fake currency. Authorities also recovered a cell phone and various tools related to the operation.

According to the police, Krishna had been involved in the counterfeit currency trade for years. He used a computer system, color printer, scanner, and heat machine to print fake notes, which were then cut to the same size as the original currency. The counterfeit bills were circulated through his associates, with Krishna allegedly exchanging fake currency in a 1:3 ratio, providing Rs. 1 lakh in counterfeit notes for Rs. 14,000 in real currency.

Krishna has a criminal history involving counterfeit currency cases, having been arrested in 2018 in similar incidents. Despite previous arrests, he continued his illegal operations, relocating to Khammam after being released from jail. On February 1, 2025, he was attempting to exchange counterfeit notes in Hyderabad when the authorities caught him.

Krishna has been handed over to Nampally Police Station for further investigation.