In News:

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has successfully dismantled a sophisticated international gold smuggling syndicate through “Operation Golden Sweep” at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The enforcement action, based on precise intelligence inputs, reflects India’s strengthened efforts to curb illicit financial flows and protect economic security.

Key Highlights

• Gold Seized: 10.488 kg of 24-carat gold
• Estimated Value: ?12.58 crore
• Arrests: 13 individuals — including foreign nationals (Bangladesh & Sri Lanka), airport staff, handlers, and the key mastermind
• Objective: Disrupt organised smuggling networks that erode foreign exchange reserves and threaten national security

Modus Operandi

The syndicate used an advanced and covert smuggling technique:

• Transit passengers flying from Dubai to Singapore, Bangkok, and Dhaka, routing via Mumbai, served as carriers
• Gold was concealed in egg-shaped wax capsules internally
• On arrival, gold was discreetly handed to complicit airport personnel within the international departure zone
• Airport insiders then smuggled the gold out and delivered it to handlers, who coordinated with the mastermind based in Mumbai and Dubai

This exposure underscores a rising insider threat in critical aviation infrastructure, where organised networks exploit privileged access.

Significance of the Operation

• Demonstrates DRI’s intelligence-driven enforcement, rapid execution, and inter-agency coordination
• Highlights evolving trade-based and route-based smuggling tactics
• Reinforces India's commitment to financial integrity, supply-chain security, and national economic interests