14 Years on the Run, Finally Caught! CBI Arrests Absconding Accused in Fake Currency Notes Case:

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Mohd. Ismail Sheikh, who had been absconding for more than 14 years in a fake Indian currency notes (FICN) case.

The accused was involved in using and exchanging counterfeit Rs 1,000 notes in Puducherry. He was caught at a fruit stall while attempting to use fake currency worth Rs 19,000. A further Rs 1,71,500 in counterfeit notes was recovered from the guesthouse where he was staying.

Mohd. Ismail Sheikh was arrested on January 18, 2012, and released on bail on July 2, 2012. However, he failed to appear before the court after his release and remained on the run to avoid legal proceedings.

More than 14 years later, the CBI arrested him on October 9, 2026, after sustained efforts and technical leads helped investigators trace his whereabouts. He shall be presented before the competent court for further proceedings.

The CBI said it remains committed to bring to justice those involved in circulation of fake currency and to protect the economic integrity of the country.