Mumbai: DRI Expands Gold Smuggling Probe To Hawala Operators After ₹475 Crore Syndicate Bust
Mumbai, September 28, 2026: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has widened its probe into the gold smuggling case and is now probing the hawala operators who are facilitating the syndicate in channelling the funds generated through the ill-gotten money from the sale of gold. The agency had recently busted a syndicate that was instrumental in smuggling 318 kg of smuggled gold valued at…
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has expanded its investigation into a gold smuggling case to include hawala operators who are aiding the syndicate in transferring illicit funds generated from gold sales. Earlier this year, the DRI successfully dismantled a syndicate responsible for smuggling 318 kg of gold worth ₹475 crore through a courier network, arresting 11 individuals.
Acting on intelligence about the smuggling of foreign-origin gold via the Indo-Bangladesh border and subsequent distribution across India, the DRI initiated a multi-city operation on September 23 in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Guwahati. During the operation, intercepted consignments in Guwahati and Kolkata contained smuggled gold destined for Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad, which were later seized.
The syndicate allegedly transported the gold in multiple small consignments to be sold domestically without proper documentation. The investigation also revealed connections between the accused and hawala operators. The DRI's probe aims to dismantle this international smuggling network, which may involve foreign nationals, posing significant implications for international security and economic stability.
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