DRI busts major trans-border gold smuggling syndicate
FinTech BizNews Service
Mumbai, 7 January 2026: In a major crackdown on trans-border smuggling, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted searches at Delhi and Agartala and busted a well-organised international gold smuggling syndicate, operating from Dubai and Bangladesh. The action led to the seizure of more than 29 kg foreign-origin gold and cash worth approximately Rs2.90 crore.
Based on specific intelligence, on 6th January 2025, a key syndicate member was apprehended from a domestic logistics warehouse, while taking delivery of two consignments originating from Agartala, Tripura. Examination of the consignments led to the recovery of 15 kg of foreign-origin gold, bearing international refinery markings, valued at approximately Rs20.73 crore.
Simultaneous searches conducted at multiple locations in Delhi and Agartala resulted in the recovery of an additional 14.2 kg foreign origin gold and Rs2.90 crore in cash, including Indian and Bangladeshi currency.
Thus, a total of 29.2 kg gold, valued at approx. Rs40 crore, and cash amount of Rs2.9 crore have been seized under the provisions of Customs Act. Further, four members of the syndicate have been arrested.
Investigation has revealed that the syndicate was smuggling gold into India through the Indo–Bangladesh border with Tripura, and subsequently transporting it to Delhi through domestic cargo services with the active connivance of handlers based in Dubai, Bangladesh and local operatives running jewellery shops in Agartala.
By intercepting illicit gold flows, DRI continues to safeguard India’s economic and fiscal stability, and ensure a fair and transparent trading environment.
Further investigation is in progress.
