Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested Zakia Wardak, Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, for allegedly trying to smuggle gold worth 25 kg $18.6 Crores from Dubai to India.
according to a report times of indiaThe incident took place on April 25 when Wardak was arrested at the Mumbai airport. According to reports, DRI officials received specific information about Wardak following which they deployed several personnel at the airport.
The Afghan diplomat was traveling with his son on an Emirates flight from Dubai to Mumbai around 5:45 pm. According to reports, the mother and son used the green channel at the airport, which showed that they did not carry any luggage that needed to be declared to customs.
The pair’s luggage – five trolley bags, a handbag, a cross-body bag and a neck pillow – were inspected and cleaned, the report said. However, soon after, DRI officials stopped them and asked them if they were carrying any dutiable items or gold, but the two denied it.
A female police officer then took Wardak to a separate room for a body search, during which DRI officials discovered gold bars hidden in her jacket, leggings, knees and waistband. Officials also checked her son but found nothing on him, the report said.
The Afghan diplomat was reportedly then asked to produce documents proving legal possession of the gold, but she was unable to produce it.
Officials seized the gold under “panchnama” and registered a gold smuggling case against the Afghan diplomat under the Customs Act, 1962, the report said.
Nonetheless, Wardak was not arrested because she holds diplomatic immunity from the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, Wardak told The Times of India that she was “surprised” and “concerned” by the gold smuggling allegations.