In a worrying trend, central intelligence agencies have found that China has emerged as a new transit hub for Pakistan-based operators to circulate fake Indian currency which was also being routed in 'diplomatic bags' to Pakistan High Commission in Colombo and via two leading courier services.
"Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) are being routed to Pakistan High Commission in Colombo through diplomatic bag. FICN are being routed from Pakistan to India and Nepal via China through FedEx and DHL courier in the form of parcels," according to a report of meeting of Economic Intelligence Council (EIC) headed by Finance Minister P Chidambaram.
When contacted by PTI, both the companies denied use of their network for any illegal activity.
"FedEx has a long history of working cooperatively with law enforcement and government agencies across India, and does not tolerate any attempted use of our global network or brand for illegal purposes."FedEx said in a statement.
A DHL spokesperson said currency is a prohibited commodity which it does not accept for shipment. "DHL does not tolerate the use of its network for illegal activities," the company said.
Pakistan based operators are sending the fake currency by air carriers not only to Nepal and Bangladesh but also routing it via Dubai, Kuala Lampur, Bangkok and Sri Lanka, the report said.
