Mumbai: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted a gold smuggling gang in Mumbai and seized precious metal, cash and other valuables worth Rs 10.48 crore. According to the information given by a DRI official on Wednesday, a search operation was conducted on Monday in South Mumbai at the place where gold melting is done. The officer said that 4 people including two African citizens have been arrested from here. He said that African citizens are also among those arrested.
Gold was being melted in Jhaveri Bazaar
The official said in a statement that DRI had received information that gold smuggled from Africa through Mumbai International Airport was being melted at Zaveri Bazaar here to remove foreign printing and then sent to the local market. Is. During the search of this place, the officials seized 9.31 kg of gold and 16.66 kg of silver. The statement said that they have arrested the concerned unit operator and a member of the gang involved in recruiting people. It has been told that this member is involved in the crime of transporting smuggled goods, collecting smuggled gold from African citizens and melting the gold.
Buyer ran away before DRI arrived
The statement said that after questioning the accused, his office was searched and the DRI also recovered $1,90,000, which was allegedly given to him by a buyer as advance for securing the smuggled gold. Were. Another team was sent to search the buyer’s office, but he fled before DRI officials could reach there, the official said. The statement said that during the search, 351 grams of cut pieces of gold bars brought from abroad, 1,818 grams of silver and Rs 1.92 crore were recovered.
DRI arrested total 4 accused
DRI personnel learned that the African nationals from whom the gold was collected were staying in nearby hotels. DRI said that a raid was conducted in the hotel and two other people who were allegedly smuggling gold were arrested. It said that all the 4 accused have confessed to their involvement in smuggling of gold into India, following which they were arrested under the provisions of the Customs Act.
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