In a major operation the officers of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) successfully dismantled a trans-border gold smuggling syndicate and seized 15 kg foreign-origin smuggled gold, valued at approximately Rs. 21.40 crore, operating from Delhi.

DRI officers intercepted an international courier consignment originating from Thailand at Courier Terminal, Delhi. The consignment was in the name of a firm linked to a foreign national.

A meticulous examination of the consignment declared as "worn gear", led to the recovery of eight disc-shaped pieces of foreign-origin gold, each weighing 1.5 kg, ingeniously concealed inside gear parts. In total, 12 kg smuggled foreign-origin gold was recovered from the courier consignment.

Simultaneous searches conducted at the residence of the intended recipient and the alleged mastermind resulted in the recovery of two more identical disc-shaped pieces of foreign-origin gold, each weighing 1.5 kg.

Four persons, including the mastermind, who is a repeat offender, and a foreign national have been arrested in relation with the case. 

Preliminary investigations also reveal that crypto-currency was being used to transfer the money across borders to finance the smuggling.

Trans-border gold smuggling and cryptocurrency financing exposed after concealed foreign-origin gold was recovered from a courier consignment. Trans-border gold smuggling operation involving foreign-origin gold concealed in an international courier consignment declared as 'worn gear' was intercepted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence. Examination of the consignment led to recovery of foreign-origin smuggled gold hidden inside gear parts, and subsequent searches at the residence of the intended recipient and the alleged mastermind yielded additional concealed gold pieces. Four persons, including the alleged mastermind and a foreign national, were arrested, and preliminary investigation indicated use of cryptocurrency to finance the smuggling network.