Key Points
- An Australian citizen was among four arrested for printing counterfeit Australian currency in India.
- Police seized several items, including 151 counterfeit $50 notes and another 18 printed sheets of fake $50 notes.
- Suspects had intended to sell the counterfeit notes to individuals preparing to travel to Australia, according to police.
According to the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Ahmedabad police, four individuals, including an Australian national, were apprehended in connection with the production of counterfeit Australian currency in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police in Ahmedabad confirmed in a press release that the SOG had seized 151 counterfeit $50 notes, a further 18 printed sheets of fake $50 notes, a printing machine valued at 900,000 Indian rupees (around $16,000), an Apple laptop, raw materials, mobile phones, a pen drive, and Indian rupees.
Counterfeit Australian currency. Credit: Gujarat Police/SOG
DFAT stated that consular assistance has been offered to the Australian national, although they were unable to offer further details due to privacy regulations.
Intended target: Travellers to Australia
The SOG Deputy Commissioner of Police, Jayrajsinh Vala, told SBS Gujarati that the suspects had intended to sell the counterfeit notes in exchange for Indian rupees to individuals preparing to travel to Australia in the coming months.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Ronak Rathod, Khush Patel, Maulik Patel and Dhruv Desai, according to a statement from the police.
Police seized a printing machine valued at approximately 900,000 Indian rupees ($16,000). Credit: Gujarat Police/SOG
Consular assistance for Australians abroad
Consular assistance typically includes welfare visits to prisons, communication with local authorities regarding the Australian's well-being, providing lists of local lawyers, and facilitating communication with family members or designated contacts.
However, consular staff are unable to provide legal advice, intervene in legal cases, or secure the release of detainees or remove travel restrictions.
For more information on consular assistance or if an Australian is arrested overseas, visit to learn about the steps to take.
SBS Gujarati is a part of SBS South Asian, the destination channel for all South Asians living in Australia.
Tune in to SBS Gujarati live on Wednesdays and Fridays at 2pm on SBS South Asian on digital radio, on channel 305 on your television, via the SBS Audio app or stream from our
You can also enjoy programs in 10 South Asian languages, plus content in English. It is also available on
