Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) is an impregnable fortress of security. But recently, the way 24 Kenyan women collectively challenged this security cycle is a brain-teaser even for investigative agencies. DRI has arrested 24 foreign women and seized a total of 30 kg of gold, the market value of which is approximately Rs 38 crore. These women were used as 'disposable mules' by an international syndicate, which has been exposed by the keen eye of the DRI (Directorate of Revenue Intelligence).
'Operation The Habu Blatts': What's the secret behind the name?
Whenever DRI names a major operation, there is a specific rationale behind it. The word 'Dhahabu', which means 'gold' in Swahili, was chosen in this operation. The name itself reveals the connection of this whole racket with Nairobi (Kenya).
Such code names for investigative agencies are not only to maintain confidentiality, but are part of a strategy to crack down on the modus operandi of criminals. Through this operation, the DRI proved that it is impossible for international smugglers to escape the agencies' radar no matter how much secrecy they maintain.
24 women and 38 crores worth of gold
This was no ordinary smuggling, but a whole organized network. DRI has arrested 24 foreign women and seized a total of 30 kg of gold, the market value of which is approximately Rs 38 crore. Checking the division of this quantity, 25 kg gold bars and 4 kg gold ornaments have been found.
Explaining the horror of the case, official sources said:
The DRI had certain information that some women were coming from Nairobi, Kenya, hiding gold. This might be the biggest action this year at the Mumbai airport.
Sophisticated Methods of Concealment:
These smugglers used very cunning methods to hide the gold. Gold was hidden by cutting inside clothes, handbags and especially the soles of shoes. Apart from this, molten gold bars were also found in a pouch wrapped in black tape, which was tried to be thrown away in an attempt to catch them.
The 'training' of the smugglers in this incident is eye-popping. As seen in similar operations, these gangs often use a 'pre-arranged passcode system'. Walking normally through high-profile airport security checks while wearing or concealing such a large amount is not possible without some serious training.
'KQ 202' Flight and Green Channel's high-voltage drama
The climax of the entire operation was witnessed on Wednesday at 11:00 am at Terminal 2 of the Mumbai airport. Passengers of flight 'KQ 202' from Nairobi were monitored by DRI through 'digital profiling'. When these women saw the officials near the Green Channel, there was chaos at the airport.
During the investigation, 25 women were identified, but the situation took a turn for the worse when a 26th passenger was caught with a fake passport. Fearful of being caught, some women threw gold pouches wrapped in black tape around the luggage belt. However, the vigilance of the agency foiled this bet of the smugglers.
Connection of international syndicates and 'grey markets'
This racket is not limited to airports. According to the investigation, this gold was going to the 'grey market' (black market) of Mumbai. Previous cases like 'Operation Bullion Blaze' show that the syndicate runs 'covert furnaces' in Mumbai, where the smuggled gold is melted down and pumped into the local market.
The involvement of corrupt airport staff at times in this transit route of Dubai-Nairobi-Mumbai cannot be ruled out. By evading import duty of up to 15%, these smugglers cause a loss of crores to the government exchequer. At present only the carriers have been caught, but the real target of the investigation is the 'kingpins' based in Mumbai and Dubai.
'Operation The Habu Blatts' is a major milestone in the anti-smuggling campaign. This level of gold smuggling is not only an economic crime, but a direct challenge to the country's financial stability and security system. This action of DRI has played an important role in protecting the economic boundaries of the country.
Fraudster is no good! RBI is bringing in stricter security rules Click here to read this story
. Source
