Gold Smuggling Scandal: Mumbai DRI Seizes ₹28 Crore Worth of Gold in Iranian Syndicate Bust

Mumbai: In a significant breakthrough, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has arrested a key member of an Iranian smuggling syndicate, which was involved in the illegal smuggling of gold into India. The DRI had previously arrested three Iranian nationals who had traveled from Dubai to Mumbai with smuggled gold valued at ₹6.28 crore. On Wednesday, the fourth member of the syndicate was apprehended, further unraveling the extent of the international smuggling network.

The DRI probe has revealed that the syndicate members were instrumental in smuggling at least 40 kg of gold, worth ₹28 crore, into India since 2023. According to DRI sources, the arrests were made based on specific intelligence. The three Iranian nationals—Zhaleh Amiri Taghjehjagh, Mohammadjavad Gholipoor, and Mohammadamin Eslami—arrived at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) on February 14, 2025, from Dubai. They were intercepted near the exit gate after crossing the customs green channel, where 7.143 kg of smuggled gold was seized from their possession.

"After analyzing forensic data from the mobile phones of the arrested passengers, it was revealed that Mohammadamin Eslami had been involved in smuggling gold into India since 2023. Numerous incriminating messages were found in his phone, in which he discussed deals for selling smuggled gold, particularly with a person named R.A. Miyanoor, a resident of Bhendi Bazaar in Mumbai," said a DRI source.

Following the investigation, R.A. Miyanoor was apprehended, and his statement confirmed that he had bought smuggled gold from Mohammadamin Eslami, either directly or through a courier, on several occasions. Miyanoor also admitted to transferring money from India to Dubai through hawala channels in exchange for the smuggled gold.

According to DRI sources, Miyanoor admitted to dealing in over 40 kg of smuggled gold from Eslami and his associates, acknowledging that the lucrative nature of the deal had prompted him to participate in the illicit transactions. He also facilitated hawala arrangements to send the sale proceeds abroad or convert them into U.S. dollars.

The 40 kg of gold, which has an approximate market value of ₹28 crore, was smuggled into India without being declared to Customs Authorities. It was intended to be delivered to Miyanoor for resale in the local market. The syndicate has also evaded customs duty worth ₹10.78 crore.

The DRI's ongoing investigation is crucial for dismantling this international smuggling network, which operates across multiple countries. The involvement of foreign nationals in this case underscores the global reach of these criminal activities. The DRI is gathering additional evidence to identify and apprehend other key members of the syndicate, which could have far-reaching implications for international security and economic stability.

The authorities are committed to continuing their efforts to curb such illegal activities and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.