Fugitive Moideenabba Ummer Beary Extradited from UAE After 12-Year Fake Currency Investigation

A man wanted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for his involvement in a counterfeit currency operation has been extradited from the UAE. Moideenabba Ummer Beary, who had a 12-year-old Interpol red notice against him, was brought to Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport from Dubai on Friday. This extradition was coordinated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Interpol Red Notice and Arrest

Beary was initially arrested in the UAE in 2015. Since then, extradition proceedings were ongoing. The CBI had issued a red notice through Interpol on December 30, 2013, at the NIA's request. A CBI spokesperson stated that Beary was geo-located in the UAE through close coordination with Interpol and NCB-Abu Dhabi.

Counterfeit Currency Operation

The NIA's Kochi unit wanted Beary for counterfeiting Indian currency notes, cheating, and criminal conspiracy. Investigations revealed that Beary, originally from Karnataka's Udupi district, conspired with others to acquire high-quality Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) worth Rs 31 lakh from the UAE. These notes were smuggled into India via Bengaluru by another accused named Usman.

Extradition Process and Charges

Following Beary's arrest in the UAE, an extradition request was sent through India's Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of External Affairs. The UAE authorities completed the extradition process on June 19. The NIA has filed charges against six individuals, including Beary, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.

The NIA discovered FICNs at four locations in Kerala's Kasaragod district. This led to the revocation of Beary's passport and issuance of a red corner notice. The counterfeit notes were circulated around Kasaragod district after being smuggled into India.

The extradition marks a significant step in addressing counterfeit currency operations linked to international networks. It highlights the collaborative efforts between Indian agencies and international counterparts to bring fugitives to justice.

With inputs from PTI