THE CBI has successfully busted an international gang involved in printing, possession, circulation and use of counterfeit MoneyGram money orders running into millions of dollars which were being used in the USA. The gang involves Nigerian nationals who had been forwarding consignments of such counterfeit MoneyGram (Money Orders) from India to the USA through various courier companies while concealing their identity and whereabouts.
During the last six months, counterfeit MoneyGram money orders having face value of US $ 36,78,125 (equivalent to Rs.17,65,50, 000) have been intercepted by the US authorities in the USA causing a serious alarm there.
Keeping in view the seriousness of the matter, the CBI was approached by the US authorities in India. Accordingly, a case was registered by the CBI. After systematic intelligence gathering by CBI, the said gang involving Nigerian nationals was identified and on 30.01.2010, a key gang member (Nigerian national) was apprehended while he was making an attempt to forward a consignment of 158 counterfeit MoneyGram money orders each of US $ 970 having a total face value of US $ 153260 (Equivalent to approx. Rs.73,56,480/ -).
Subsequent raids conducted by the CBI at different locations in South Delhi area resulted in the arrest of other two gang members, both Nigerian nationals and also recovered certain incriminating documents.
CBI Investigation also revealed that the gang members in India used to receive the proceeds of crime from the USA to India through Western Union Money Transfer.
The arrested persons were produced before the competent court at Delhi. Two accused including key gang member were remanded to police custody upto 04.02.2010 and third accused was remanded to judicial custody till 14.02.2010.
Investigation is in progress to identify their linkages, modus operandi and the channel of money transfer, etc. The US authorities are also being approached through the Interpol.
