April 27, Kathmandu – The Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office has arrested six individuals on charges of fraud and commenced an investigation. Interrogation of the suspects revealed surprising details that even stunned the lead investigators. The accused openly admitted to their fraudulent activities before committing them. They claimed, “Real notes are exchanged for double the amount in counterfeit notes.” In other words, one would give real notes and receive twice the amount in fake ones. Initially, this arrangement seemed plausible and trustworthy. It might have been difficult to believe at first, but the investigation confirmed that these scams were openly taking place.
The arrested suspects include 26-year-old Yogbahadur Tamang from Tapli Rural Municipality-3, Udayapur; 38-year-old Milan Kumar Tamang and 36-year-old Bhavindra Kumar Tamang, also from the same area; 34-year-old Pravin Mahto from Ratnanagar Rural Municipality-5, Chitwan; 28-year-old Muna Dhami from Gajura Municipality-1, Rautahat; and 38-year-old Satyanarayan Chaudhary from Kalika Municipality-5, Chitwan. Police confirmed they were apprehended near Taudaha. Authorities recovered 40 bundles of counterfeit notes (paper replicas) in two types of bags from their possession, along with an electric vehicle (Mini Hiace) missing its rear number plate and covered with a banner marked as an educational tour, and a Pulsar motorcycle bearing registration number Na 47 Pa 5411. The recovered electric vehicle’s official registration was confirmed as Ba. Pra. 01-032 Cha 7312.
How did the scam operate? The group reportedly promised to exchange genuine currency notes for twice their value in counterfeit notes, informing victims later either in person or via WhatsApp. Knowing that no one would willingly swap real notes for fake ones, they assured, “Though said to be fake, these notes are effectively genuine. No one will detect the difference, and there won’t be any problem conducting transactions with them.” For skeptics, they demonstrated fake 1000-rupee notes made to look convincingly real. Despite suffering losses of approximately 11,000 rupees, this tactic earned the scammers the victims’ trust and enabled high-value exchanges. They even posted online videos showing bundles of 1000-rupee notes to build credibility. However, the genuine notes were placed on the outside while fake paper notes were hidden inside. According to SSP Santosh Khadka, “Initially, they gained trust by offering double the amount with fake notes, then later, during larger exchanges, they handed over paper replicas.” So far, two victims have contacted authorities, and police are urging others to come forward.
