Abdul Karim Telgi's net worth in 2024 was estimated to be around $1 billion. Telgi was an Indian counterfeiter known for masterminding a massive stamp paper scam, which involved creating and distributing counterfeit stamp papers to various institutions, including banks, insurance companies, and stock brokerage firms. His operation had an extensive network of approximately 300 agents who helped distribute these counterfeit products.

Telgi's scam caused significant damage to India's financial system, as the counterfeit stamp papers infiltrated official and corporate transactions, leading to a substantial loss of trust. The government took legal action against Telgi and his network, which included government officials, police personnel, and politicians who were complicit in his activities.

Telgi's fraudulent scheme was estimated to be worth approximately ₹300 billion (US$3.8 billion). His operations involved bribing high-ranking politicians and police officials in Karnataka and Maharashtra, with Telgi admitting to paying about INR 20 billion in bribes.

Although Telgi passed away in 2017 due to meningitis, the impact of his scam continued to resonate in India, leading to ongoing legal cases and investigations. His story has also inspired various web series, such as "Scam 2003" on SonyLiv and "Paper," released in 2020, based on his life and the stamp paper scam. His wife, Shahida Telgi, and their daughter Sana have generally remained out of the public eye, but in 2017, Shahida Telgi approached the court to reclaim the properties her husband owned before his death.