A syndicate accused of smuggling over 100 kg of gold over past one year has been busted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).
Eight people, including a father and son, were arrested recently and 6.5 kg of gold worth about ₹2.1 crore was seized, a statement issued by the DRI on Wednesday said. The father and son are well-settled and known paper traders.
“The syndicate has been smuggling gold since the past one year. So far, nearly 100 kg of gold has been smuggled in through Dhaka and Delhi international airport,” it said.
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The DRI has found the involvement of some insiders, who were allegedly issued identity cards by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security. “The father and son arranged carriers from Delhi, Rajasthan and adjoining areas through agents. Probe so far has revealed that another set of persons are part of the syndicate and are stationed in Dubai. Besides purchasing gold, they ensure Customs clearance at Dubai airport,” the DRI said.
At Delhi airport, the carrier would hand over the gold to an employee working at a telecom company kiosk. The exchange would take place in a toilet at the airport. The employee would deliver the gold to another person outside the airport, it said.