(a) whether the Union Government has received any request seeking inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the case of gold smuggling through diplomatic channel in Kerala;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has considered the same and taken any decision on it and if so, the details thereof; and
(d) whether the Enforcement Directorate or any other central agency is conducting inquiry about this case, if so, the details and the present status thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI NITYANAND RAI)
(a) to (d): The Central Government had received requests for investigation by central agencies into seizure of around 30 Kg gold worth Rs.14.82 Crore at Trivandrum International Airport. The initial inquiry in the case had revealed that proceeds of smuggled gold could be used for financing terrorism in India. As the case involved scheduled offences under the NIA Act, 2008 and had national and international linkages, the Central Government considering gravity of the offence, vide its order dated 9th July, 2020, directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to investigate the case.
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L.S.US.Q.NO. 335 FOR 19.07.2022
Accordingly, NIA registered a case No.RC-02/2020/NIA/KOC (Trivandrum Gold Smuggling Case) dated 10/07/2020 under Sections 16, 17 and 18 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 against 04 accused persons. The NIA has filed charge-sheet against 20 accused persons under Sections 16, 17, 18 and 20 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. Enforcement Directorate has also initiated investigations in the Kerala Gold Smuggling Case on the basis of NIA’s FIR. As on 12/07/2022, the Directorate of Enforcement has identified and attached assets worth Rs.16.82 Crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. Further, 02 Prosecution complaints have also been filed under Section 45 of PMLA, 2002 before the Special Court (PMLA), Ernakulum.
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