KOCHI: It seems that more skeletons will tumble out of the cupboard in the coming days, with the Special Investigation and Intelligence Branch (SIIB) under the Customs Department intensifying the crackdown against gold smugglers, on the basis of evidence suggesting the involvement of hawala rackets and leading jewellery groups in the illegal activity.
Investigation into the recent incidents of gold smuggling had unearthed the unholy nexus between smugglers an certain ground handling employees at the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL).
Speaking to ‘Express,’ a senior officer in the Customs Department said the ground handling employees were mere pawns in the hands of smugglers.In fact, smuggling syndicates and hawala rackets are ruling the roost at airports in the State, and the ground handling staff involved are more loyal to them than their employers. So far, we have unearthed only one main smuggling racket based in Muvattupuzha. The latest arrest of SpiceJet employees at CIAL has shed light on the other smuggling rackets.
“We are monitoring a Malappuram-based gold smuggling racket, which is believed to be the largest in terms of manpower and money-power. Arrest of its members, which is expected in the coming days, would throw more light on the nexus between smugglers, hawala operators and jewellers. The money invested in the illegal trade is sourced mainly through hawala transactions, which would run into many crores,” said the Customs officials.
They also hinted that the case might be handed over to the Enforcement Directorate and the Director General of Revenue Intelligence.
“Some of the leading jewellery groups in Kerlala have direct links with the smugglers and hawala operators,” said the officials.
