The kingpin of the multi-crore fake stamps and stamp paper racket, Abdul Karim Telgi, was yesterday convicted by a special court in a 2001 case relating to the recovery of fake stamps worth Rs 9.04 lakh.Telgi was not present when the judgment was delivered, but appeared on television through video conferencing from Bangalore jail. The judgment was delivered by Special Judge S N Sardesai.

On May 27, charges were framed against Telgi and he had pleaded guilty. Telgi, who was accused number 10 in this particular case, was convicted of hatching the conspiracy for counterfeiting, circulation, distribution and sale of stamps under the IPC, the MCOCA and the Bombay Stamp Act. He was sentenced to rigorous imprisonment (RI) for 10 years, five years, three years, six months and three seven-year terms. As the prison terms will run simultaneously, Telgi will have to undergo RI for 10 years. Telgi was also fined Rs 17.05 lakh.