DRI Probes Hawala Links in Rs 10.75-Crore Gold Smuggling Case at Mumbai Airport
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence Mumbai Zonal Unit is investigating illegal hawala channels used by an international syndicate following the arrest of six individuals, including a contractual airline staff member, for smuggling foreign-origin gold through the international airport in Mumbai.
The crackdown began after DRI officials received specific intelligence regarding Munaf Jamadar, a 23-year-old Titwala resident employed as ground staff with an airline company. The intelligence indicated that Jamadar was involved in smuggling gold through the airport and was preparing to hand over the contraband to an outside recipient.
Officers intercepted Jamadar and conducted a personal search, recovering seven egg-shaped capsules filled with gold dust in wax form from his back pockets. Following his interception, Jamadar led the investigative team to five transit passengers who were part of the operation.
The five transit passengers, all Bangladeshi nationals, were identified as Mohammed Mohiuddin, 36; Mohammad Ismail Hossen, 37; Mohammed Rashedul Alam, 38; Mohammed Abu Nasar, 38; and Mohammed Nazimuddin, 30. The syndicate reportedly operated using passengers transiting through Mumbai while travelling between Dubai, Bangkok, and Male.
In total, the DRI seized 6,650 grams of gold valued at Rs 10.75 crore from the syndicate members. Officials stated that the estimated customs duty evasion in the case amounts to Rs 3.76 crore.
Investigators are now focusing on uncovering the financial network behind the operation. A DRI official stated that the sources for purchasing the gold, the network for its distribution, and the transfer of funds through illegal hawala channels are currently under investigation as part of efforts to dismantle the international network.
According to officials, the accused served as integral members of an international smuggling syndicate operating across multiple countries, committing serious economic offences that threaten the financial stability of the country. The agency is continuing to gather evidence to trace and apprehend other key syndicate members.
