LUCKNOW, Oct. 15 -- Fake Indian currency notes' racketeers are utilising social media platforms to expand their networks and lure victims into circulating counterfeit currency, said senior police officials on Tuesday. According to a statement, the racketeers create fake IDs and profiles on platforms like Facebook to befriend people and convince them to participate in their schemes, often involving courier services to exchange fake notes. The official statement came after the recovery of FICN worth Rs 1.9 lakh from a shopkeeper in Shravasti, near the India-Nepal border, on Monday. Sharing further details, Shravasti superintendent of police (SP) Rahul Bhati informed media that the accused was identified as Shiva Gupta, who operated Shiva Traders shop under Hardattnagar Girnt police station limits. He said the police recovered a total of 239 fake notes of 500 denominations from the accused. Shiva Gupta was accused in a joint operation by Shravasti police, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and Chandigarh police, based on information revealed by another FICN operative arrested in Chandigarh a few days prior. During the investigation, Shiva Gupta's name emerged, leading to his arrest and production in court before being handed over to the Chandigarh police. The gang has been using fake IDs and Facebook to befriend people and lure them into circulating counterfeit currency through courier services. This gang, which operates in several states including Rajasthan, Punjab, and Chandigarh, uses local agents like Shiva Gupta to circulate the fake notes in the market. These racketeers typically target vulnerable individuals, building trust and friendships before exploiting them. They may also use these platforms to share convincing content that appears legitimate, making it difficult for potential victims to discern the truth....