Face2News/Mumbai 

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled a major gold smuggling syndicate operating in Mumbai, seizing nearly 12 kilograms of 24-carat gold worth ₹15.05 crore and arresting 11 individuals, including the alleged mastermind.

Officials said the operation revealed a sophisticated network engaged in smuggling, refining, and distributing gold through the grey market to evade customs duties and taxes. The DRI’s Mumbai Zonal Unit received intelligence about illegal melting units and unregistered trading outlets in the city.

Acting on this tip, officials carried out coordinated raids on Monday across four locations — including two melting units and two unauthorized shops. At one site, investigators discovered a fully equipped facility where smuggled gold was being melted and reshaped into bars and other forms for illegal sale.

During the raids, officers seized 6.35 kilograms of gold from the melting units and arrested the workers operating the furnaces. Follow-up searches at two shops linked to the alleged mastermind led to the recovery of another 5.53 kilograms of gold bars and 8.72 kilograms of silver worth ₹13.17 lakh.

The 11 individuals taken into custody include the mastermind, his father, a manager, four melters, an accountant, and three delivery personnel. Authorities confirmed that the main accused is a repeat offender involved in previous gold smuggling cases.

All suspects were presented before a court and remanded to judicial custody as investigations continue into the wider network of suppliers and buyers involved in the racket.