Mumbai Crime: DRI Asks CBI To Probe Role Of Insiders In ₹18.92 Crore Gold Smuggling Case

Mumbai: Acting on the complaint filed by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched a probe to ascertain whether unidentified government officials colluded with two alleged gold smugglers caught recently.

Based on specific intelligence, the DRI had arrested two foreigners (Omani and UAE nationals) at Mumbai airport on March 6 for allegedly attempting to smuggle 21.28 kg of gold valued at Rs 18.92 crore. Foreign-marked gold bars were found concealed inside the customised waist belts worn by the duo, who had arrived from Dubai, beneath their shirts, the DRI had said. Further probe had revealed that both of them have previously arrived at the Mumbai airport multiple times.

“The possibility of involvement of unknown public servants needs to be investigated,” the DRI stated in its communication with the CBI. The former further said that the involvement of passengers making trips from Dubai, the high frequency of these visits and the smuggling of large quantities of gold points to a possible nexus with coordinated smuggling syndicate. The network is possibly operating from Dubai, UAE, the agency suspected.

Based on the DRI's complaint, the CBI has filed a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections pertaining to criminal conspiracy and offence related to public servant being bribed as well as the Prevention of Corruption Act.