Archive · 29 Sep 2026
DRI Expands Gold Smuggling Probe Into Hawala Operators
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence is investigating a group accused of smuggling gold into India.
Officials say the group moved gold through several cities.
The gold allegedly entered through parts of the border with Bangladesh.
It was then sent in small courier packages to cities including Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad.
Investigators seized 6.61 kilograms of gold worth about ₹10.36 crore.
They have arrested 11 people so far.
The agency is also examining hawala operators who may have moved money for the group.
Officials say the investigation is continuing to find other people involved.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence is investigating hawala operators linked to an alleged gold-smuggling syndicate.
The syndicate allegedly smuggled 318 kilograms of foreign-origin gold worth ₹475 crore this year.
A September 23 operation across Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Guwahati led to 11 arrests.
Authorities seized 6.61 kilograms of gold bars valued at approximately ₹10.36 crore from courier consignments.
Investigators are tracing financiers, buyers, money flows and possible foreign nationals connected to the network.
- Who
- The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence is investigating an alleged gold-smuggling syndicate, its hawala operators, financiers and buyers; 11 people have been arrested.
- What
- The agency expanded its investigation into the syndicate’s alleged smuggling of foreign-origin gold and related financial network.
- When
- A coordinated operation was launched on September 23, 2026; the report is dated September 28, 2026.
- Where
- The operation involved Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Guwahati, with alleged smuggling through the Indo-Bangladesh border in West Bengal and Assam.
- Why
- Investigators are seeking to identify the syndicate’s wider money trail, financiers, buyers and other members.
- Agency
- Directorate of Revenue Intelligence
- Gold allegedly smuggled this year
- 318 kilograms
- Estimated value of alleged smuggled gold
- ₹475 crore
- Gold seized
- 6.61 kilograms in bar form
- Value of seized gold
- Approximately ₹10.36 crore
- Arrests
- 11 people
- Operation date
- September 23, 2026
- Cities involved
- Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Guwahati