Mumbai: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mumbai Zonal Unit, has busted an international gold-smuggling syndicate allegedly operated by Chinese nationals in collaboration with Indian accomplices and seized 691.870 grams of 24-carat gold worth around ₹1.10 crore, officials said on Tuesday.
The gold was allegedly concealed inside the motor of a treadmill that arrived in a commercial consignment from Hong Kong. DRI officers intercepted and examined the consignment at Mumbai's Air Cargo Complex, where they discovered the concealed precious metal.
According to investigators, the syndicate had allegedly developed a method of using legitimate commercial imports as a cover for bringing smuggled gold into India. The concealment inside machinery was apparently intended to make the gold difficult to detect during routine customs checks.
The seized gold weighed nearly 692 grams and was valued at approximately ₹1.10 crore based on the prevailing market value. The recovery has led investigators to widen their probe into the network and its possible links with other consignments.
The DRI has arrested two people in connection with the case. Those arrested include a Chinese national and an individual who was managing the importing firm. They have been booked under provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
Following the seizure, DRI teams carried out searches at several locations in Mumbai, Chennai, Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu. Officials are examining the role of other individuals who may have been involved in arranging the import, receiving the consignment or handling the smuggled gold.
The agency is also investigating whether the same network had previously used commercial shipments to move gold into the country. Investigators are expected to examine import records, communications and financial transactions as part of efforts to identify the wider network.
The latest action comes amid a broader crackdown by the DRI against organised gold-smuggling networks. In recent weeks, the agency has reported several major seizures involving sophisticated concealment methods and foreign nationals. The enforcement agency has been focusing on networks that attempt to exploit legitimate trade and international travel channels to evade customs controls.
Officials have not yet disclosed the identities of those arrested or provided details about the suspected masterminds behind the operation. The investigation remains underway, and further arrests or seizures cannot be ruled out.
The latest seizure highlights the increasingly sophisticated methods allegedly being used by international gold-smuggling networks and the continuing efforts by Indian enforcement agencies to detect and disrupt such operations.
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