Major Gold Smuggling Syndicate Busted at Mumbai Airport
In a significant operation against gold smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled a well-organized gold smuggling syndicate operating out of Mumbai Airport. The operation uncovered a gold melting facility that was processing smuggled gold from foreign origins, leading to multiple arrests and substantial seizures.
Authorities apprehended nine individuals linked to the smuggling operation, including airport personnel and intermediaries. The raid resulted in the recovery of approximately 6 kilograms of smuggled gold found at the facility.
Sophisticated Smuggling Networks Revealed
This case highlights the increasing sophistication of gold smuggling networks, which often exploit insider access to facilitate their illegal activities. These syndicates utilize layered distribution strategies to evade detection and continue their operations under the radar.
Additional Operations in Bengaluru and Beyond
In a separate operation in Bengaluru, DRI officials seized 1.8 kilograms of 24 karat gold in paste form, cleverly hidden within the garments of an international traveler. Further investigations into the suspect’s residence uncovered an additional 1.5 kilograms of gold jewelry, 45 kilograms of silver, and a mix of Indian and foreign currencies, leading to the arrest of the individual.
Earlier in the week, the DRI conducted a series of coordinated operations across various airports, railway stations, and land customs stations in cities like Hyderabad, Rajkot, Calicut, Vishakhapatnam, Guwahati, and Petrapole. These efforts resulted in the seizure of another 6 kilograms of foreign-origin smuggled gold and the arrest of five more suspects.
Total Seizures and Arrests
In total, the recent operations have culminated in the confiscation of about 15 kilograms of gold, 45 kilograms of silver, collectively valued at around ₹23 crore, and the arrest of 15 individuals. This series of events underscores the ongoing battle against gold smuggling in the country, with authorities ramping up their efforts to combat such illicit activities.
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