At a time when ceasefire violations are creating ripples across the border, the National Investigation Agency has zeroed in on two Pakistan nationals for their involvement in the counterfeit currency case in 2007 in Kerala. The NIA has named them along with a Keralite as accused in the Malappuram fake Indian currency notes (FICN) case.

According to sources, the accused have been identified as Pakistan nationals and ISI agents Imthiaz Ibrahim and Iqbal Bhai and a Keralite, Kamaluddin, Manikathpadi, of Guruvayur. The Pak nationals are implicated as 11th and 13th accused in the case, respectively, while Kamaluddin is the 12th accused.

NIA sources said the arrest of Tahir Merchant alias Tahir Taklya alias Dada, a wanted criminal in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, paved the way for getting crucial evidence against the Pakistan nationals. “During the investigation, it was revealed that FICN with face value of `35 lakh was given to Muhammed Rafi of Orumanayur, eighth accused in the case, by Tahir Taklya who was the manager of Al-Safar Furnishing and Carpet Shop at Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Tahir’s interrogation revealed the involvement of Imthiaz Ibrahim and Kamaluddin,” NIA sources said.

Tahir, Muhammed Rafi, Kamal and Abdul Majeed conspired with ISI agent Imtiaz Ibrahim alias Ibrahim from 2007 onwards to smuggle counterfeit currencies to India, especially Kerala. To get counterfeit currencies from Pakistan, they raised funds from the Gulf.

Abdul Majeed, an aide of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, who was arrested earlier by NIA in the case, revealed the involvement of another Pak national - Iqbal Bhai. “Rs 37.5 lakh of FICN was obtained by the accused from Iqbal who was proprietor of a mobile trading company in Sharjah,” NIA said.

NIA has already begun operations to net the two Pakistan nationals. It will approach the NIA special court seeking a directive to issue open arrest warrant against the duo. Further, it will seek the assistance of Interpol to bring them to India.

NIA had earlier established the involvement of Mohammed Alshab, Abdul Malik, C P Sajin, Noushad, R K Usman, Abdul Karim, Moosakutty alias Babu, Muhammed Rafi and Abdul Majid.