Fri Mar 14 02:50:52 UTC 2025: **CBI Probes Large-Scale Gold Smuggling Ring Linked to Public Servants**
**New Delhi, March 14, 2025** – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched an investigation into a large-scale gold smuggling operation allegedly involving public servants and operating out of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The probe follows inputs from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), which recently arrested Kannada actress Ranya Rao in connection with the smuggling activities.
The DRI complaint, which forms the basis of the CBI’s First Information Report (FIR), details the arrests of two foreign nationals – an Omani and a UAE citizen – at Mumbai’s international airport on March 6th. The pair allegedly attempted to smuggle 21.28 kg of gold worth ₹18.92 crore (approximately $229 million USD). The DRI noted that the individuals had made multiple previous trips to Mumbai.
The complaint further highlights the March 3rd arrest of Ms. Rao at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport. She was allegedly caught attempting to smuggle 14.2 kg of gold valued at ₹12.56 crore (approximately $154 million USD). Subsequent searches of her residence yielded gold jewelry worth ₹2.06 crore and ₹2.67 crore in cash.
The DRI suspects a coordinated smuggling syndicate operating from Dubai, citing the frequency of similar incidents involving both Indian and foreign nationals. The agency’s complaint explicitly states the possibility of involvement of unknown public servants, necessitating a wider investigation into the potential national and international ramifications of the operation.
CBI teams have been deployed to Mumbai and Bengaluru airports to investigate the alleged complicity of officials. The investigation is ongoing.
First Piper 