DRI Seizes 6.65 Kg Gold Worth ₹10.75 Crore in Mumbai Smuggling Case

Mumbai's Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 6.65 kilograms of gold worth ₹10.75 crore in a smuggling case involving a syndicate that used the city's international airport to bring in foreign-origin gold.

The DRI had recently busted the syndicate, arresting six persons, including a contractual airline staff member and five transit passengers, all Bangladeshi nationals. The accused have been identified as Munaf Jamadar, a 23-year-old resident of Titwala, and five others: Mohammed Mohiuddin, Mohammad Ismail Hossen, Mohammed Rashedul Alam, Mohammed Abu Nasar, and Mohammed Nazimuddin.

According to DRI sources, the syndicate involved transit passengers travelling between Dubai, Bangkok, and Male via Mumbai, along with the airline staff member. The staff member would hand over smuggled gold to a recipient outside the airport. The DRI had intercepted Jamadar and recovered seven egg-shaped capsules containing gold dust in wax form from his back pockets.

The DRI is now investigating the hawala channel used by the syndicate members to purchase and distribute the smuggled gold. The ongoing investigation aims to dismantle the international smuggling network, which operates across multiple countries. The involvement of foreign nationals in this case highlights the global reach of these criminal activities.

The DRI had seized a total of 6,650 grams of gold valued at ₹10.75 crore from the syndicate members, with a duty evasion of ₹3.76 crore. The accused are considered integral members of an international smuggling syndicate and have committed serious economic offences that pose a significant threat to the country's financial health.

The DRI is gathering additional evidence to identify and apprehend other key members of the syndicate, which could have far-reaching implications for international security and economic stability.

The case underscores the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies to combat international smuggling networks. The DRI's efforts to dismantle these networks are crucial to protecting the country's economic interests and maintaining national security.

The investigation is ongoing, and the DRI is working to uncover the full extent of the syndicate's operations and identify all those involved. The case is a significant blow to international smuggling networks and demonstrates the DRI's commitment to combating economic crimes.

In recent years, the DRI has been actively involved in combating gold smuggling and other economic crimes in Mumbai and across the country. The agency's efforts have resulted in significant seizures and arrests, highlighting the importance of its work in protecting the country's economic interests.

The Mumbai DRI's investigation into the hawala channel used by the syndicate members is a critical step in dismantling the international smuggling network. The agency's work in this case demonstrates its commitment to combating economic crimes and protecting the country's financial health.

The case also highlights the need for increased awareness and cooperation between law enforcement agencies, airlines, and other stakeholders to prevent gold smuggling and other economic crimes. By working together, these agencies can help to disrupt international smuggling networks and protect the country's economic interests.

In conclusion, the DRI's seizure of 6.65 kilograms of gold worth ₹10.75 crore in a smuggling case involving a syndicate that used Mumbai's international airport is a significant blow to international smuggling networks. The ongoing investigation into the hawala channel used by the syndicate members is a critical step in dismantling the network and protecting the country's economic interests.

The case has significant implications for Mumbai and the country as a whole, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies to combat international smuggling networks. The DRI's efforts to dismantle these networks are crucial to protecting the country's economic interests and maintaining national security.