Mahim police officials arrested two conmen who used to cheat people by convincing them that they could turn black paper into currency notes.

The police laid a trap and a constable, disguised as an Arab, approached them as a customer following which, the arrests were made.

The accused, Falani Thevar (45), a resident of Tamil Nadu and Joseph D’souza (40) were arrested by the Mahim police on Thursday.

According to police, Thevar would carry a briefcase, containing an original note of Rs 1000 or Rs 500, a blackened note and bundles of black paper. Thevar had also rigged a mini circuit inside the suitcase using wires, small bulbs, a glass plate and a voltameter.

“He would dip the blackened note into a solution or water which would erase the black colour and the original note would emerge,” said police inspector Vinay Kulkarni.

“He would then convince the victims to buy the bundles of paper for Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000 and tell them that after dipping them in water for half an hour, the bundle will become notes worth one lakh,” Kulkarni added.

Earlier, the duo was arrested by the Dombivli police in a similar case.