Abdul Karim Telgi, born on 29 July 1961, was an infamous counterfeiter in India, known primarily for his multi-billion-dollar stamp paper scam. Originating from Khanapur, Karnataka, Telgi lived an initial life filled with struggles, especially after the premature death of his father. His early life was an attempt to alleviate his family from their dire financial situation, but it eventually led him down a path that became synonymous with one of India’s most significant scams.
Where did Abdul Karim Telgi study?
Education played a significant role in shaping Telgi’s life. He began his educational journey at Sarvodaya Vidyalaya English Medium High School in Khanapur and later pursued his higher education from the University of Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. He even achieved a master’s degree in Psychology. Little did anyone know that this well-educated individual would use his intellectual prowess for such nefarious activities in the future.
How did Abdul Karim Telgi start his scam?
Upon returning from a 7-year stint in Saudi Arabia, Telgi quickly identified loopholes in India’s economic machinery. He began by forging Visas and Passports, particularly for individuals desiring to go to Saudi Arabia, under his Mumbai-based company named Arabian Metro Travels. This venture landed him in jail in 1993 for visa fraud. However, that was just the beginning. In 1994, Telgi acquired a license for stamp papers and quickly exploited it to its fullest, selling counterfeit stamp papers to banks, insurance companies, and other finance-related institutions.
Who were involved with Abdul Karim Telgi in the scam?
The enormity of Telgi’s operations is evident when you understand that he wasn’t working alone. He had around 350 agents working under him, spread across the country. More shockingly, he had connections within the police force, which provided him protection and possibly inside information.
How was Abdul Karim Telgi caught?
The turning point came in 1999 when an individual filed a case against Telgi. It set off a chain of investigations that eventually led to his capture in Rajasthan in 2001. By then, his counterfeit operations had reached an estimated value of a whopping US$3.8 billion.
What was Abdul Karim Telgi’s punishment?
Justice eventually caught up with Telgi in January 2006. A Special Court in Pune sentenced him to 30 years in prison and imposed a hefty fine of 10 billion rupees in June 2007.
How did Abdul Karim Telgi die?
After a decade of imprisonment, Abdul Karim Telgi passed away on 23 October 2017. Reports suggest that Telgi suffered from multiple organ-related health issues, leading to his death.
Who were Abdul Karim Telgi’s family members?
Behind the criminal was also a family man. Telgi was born into a family where his father worked for the Indian Railways and his mother was a homemaker. Tragically, the early death of his father pushed young Telgi into challenging situations. Later in life, he married Shahida, with whom he had two children, a son and a daughter.
Is there a series or movie on Abdul Karim Telgi’s life?
Yes, the intriguing life of Abdul Karim Telgi inspired the creation of a series titled “Scam 2003: The Telgi Story”. The series, directed by Tushar Hiranandini and penned by writers Karn Vyas, Kiran, and Kedar Patankar, is available on the Sony Liv platform.
Abdul Karim Telgi stands as an example of how intelligence, when misused, can have dire repercussions for society as a whole. We hope his life serves as a warning for future generations who could use such lessons as an incentive for bettering themselves as members of society.
