DRI Busts International Gold Smuggling Syndicate, Six Arrested

July 17, 2026

Mumbai: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted an international gold smuggling syndicate and arrested six people, including three Philippine nationals, officials said on Friday.

The syndicate was allegedly operating with the involvement of private individuals working at the airport premises, according to officials.

Three Foreign Nationals Among Six Arrested

The arrested accused have been identified as Mumbai residents Himanshu Upadhyay, Mohid Hasan Siddiqui and Feroz Sayyed, along with three Philippine nationals Lakim Alimudin Nasser, Benny Lloyd Olivo and Christine Joy Andaya Pornasdoro.

During interrogation, the accused allegedly revealed that they were working for a smuggling network that used transit passengers travelling from Dubai and Bangkok to Mumbai to illegally transport gold.

Airport Staff Suspected of Helping Smuggling Network

According to the DRI, the syndicate allegedly operated with the help of certain individuals working at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai.

Officials said further investigation is underway to identify other people involved in the network and uncover the full extent of the operation.

DRI Continues Crackdown on International Smuggling

Earlier this month, the DRI, along with other agencies including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), had also dismantled an interstate wildlife trafficking network operating across West Bengal and Maharashtra.

During that operation, several protected wildlife species listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, including slow lorises, binturongs, star tortoises, Egyptian vultures and Shikra birds, were recovered and rescued.

The DRI has also intercepted multiple attempts to smuggle protected wildlife through international airports involving passengers arriving from countries such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Colombo.