Archive · 18 Dec 2025
Mumbai Leads Gold Smuggling Hotspots in 2024–25: DRI Report
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) released a report stating that Mumbai is the biggest hotspot for gold smuggling in India.
In 2024–25, they seized 1,073 kg of gold worth Rs 785 crore.
Gold is often smuggled through airports, especially from the Middle East and Southeast Asia, using various methods like hiding it in body cavities or aircraft cavities.
Most carriers are Indian nationals, with a small number of women involved.
The gold is then melted and sold in the domestic market, with proceeds sent back abroad through illegal channels.
Mumbai is the main hotspot for gold smuggling through airports in 2024–25, with 1,073 kg of gold seized worth Rs 785 crore.
Gold smuggling syndicates operate through a structured network, with masterminds funding operations and carriers transporting gold into India.
Air routes from the Middle East and Southeast Asia are the primary channels for gold smuggling, with smugglers using various concealment methods.
Sophisticated and dangerous methods include concealing gold inside body cavities, with a growing trend of female involvement.
The majority of gold smuggling carriers are male Indian nationals, with a small number of cases involving carriers from other countries.
- Who
- Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)
- What
- Gold smuggling hotspots in India, with Mumbai as the main hub
- When
- 2024–25
- Where
- Mumbai, Maharashtra, and other states like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and West Bengal
- Why
- Strategic locations, higher number of flights, and transit routes
- Total Gold Seized
- 1,073 kg
- Market Value of Seized Gold
- Rs 785 crore
- Primary Smuggling Routes
- Air routes from Middle East and Southeast Asia
- Main Concealment Methods
- Body cavities, aircraft cavities, wax or jewelry forms
- Gender Profile of Carriers
- 90% male, 10% female
- Nationality of Carriers
- Mostly Indian nationals, with some from Kenya, Iran, and other countries
