The probe agencies have conclusive evidence that at least 180 kilograms of gold were smuggled and suspect the total amount to increase further.

New Delhi | Jagran News Desk: In the latest development in the Kerala smuggling case, probe agencies have found that more than 180 kg of gold was smuggled through the diplomatic cargo. Swapna Suresh and Sarith, two key accused in the case were taken to different locations by the investigative agencies for collecting evidence, NDTV reported.

The investigative agencies, according to reports, are now in the process of recovering the smuggled gold. They have conclusive evidence that at least 180 kilograms of gold were smuggled and suspect the total amount to increase further. The gold was smuggled at least 20 times through the diplomatic route.

The gold scam grabbed headlines on July 5 after customs officials at the Thiruvananthapuram airport intercepted diplomatic cargo and seized 30 kg of gold worth Rs 13.5 crore meant for the UAE consulate office. The episode piqued national interest because diplomatic cargo enjoys immunity from routine Customs examination. The cargo was listed as bathroom fittings, noodles, biscuits and dates, sent from Sharjah-based Al Zatar Spices.

The case is being investigated by Customs and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) which has booked Suresh, Sarith, Sandeep Nair and Fasil Fareed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Meanwhile, the NIA has requested Interpol to issue a Blue Corner Notice against- Faisal Fareed, who was allegedly involved in forging seal and emblem of United Arab Emirates (UAE) Embassy to commit his crime.

"The documents were forged by Faisal Fareed to ensure diplomatic protection for the baggage. Fareed is the third accused in the case. The gold smuggled into Kerala was not used for jewellery but terror activities. The accused smuggled gold twice in 2019, in two batches of 18 kg and 9 kg," the NIA had submitted before the special court.

Posted By: Rakesh Kumar Jha

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Kerala: Probe reveals more than 180 kg gold smuggled through diplomatic channels - Jagran English