KOCHI: In a major breakthrough for Indian security agencies, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday arrested Moideenabha Ummer Beary alias Moideen, a prime accused in the 2013 Kasaragod fake currency racket, following his extradition from the United Arab Emirates.
Moideen, a native of Udupi district in Karnataka, had been on the run for over 12 years and was in UAE custody since 2015. He was extradited after the successful conclusion of a simplified diplomatic process and was apprehended at Mumbai airport before being flown to Kochi. He was produced before a special NIA court in Ernakulam shortly after arrival.
According to NIA officials, Moideen had conspired with others to smuggle ₹31 lakh in fake Indian currency notes (FICN) from the UAE into India. His associate Usman trafficked the notes via Bengaluru airport, and the counterfeits were later circulated in the Kasaragod region of Kerala.
In 2013, the NIA registered four cases following large-scale seizures of FICN in Kasaragod. A Red Corner Notice was issued through Interpol after Moideen’s passport was revoked, eventually leading to his arrest in the UAE.
Officials said his extradition marks a critical step in dismantling cross-border fake currency networks, and he will now face trial under Indian law.