Three Indian Nationals Arrested for Suspected Gold Smuggling in Ghana
The GoldBod security taskforce has arrested three Indian nationals, Goutam Katriya, 35, Miraj Sarvaych, 22, and Manash Damani, 42, for suspected gold smuggling.
The suspects were arrested at their private residence in Kumasi, which was allegedly being used as a gold trading center.
Investigation and Seizure
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects did not possess valid licenses to purchase or deal in gold in Ghana. A search of their premises yielded:
– 1.9 million cedis: Cash seized from the suspects
– *4,500 rupees*: Indian currency seized from the suspects
– 4.363 kilograms of gold: Gold seized from the suspects
– *Two counting machines*: Equipment used for counting money or gold
– *CCTV recorder*: Device used for surveillance
– *Indian passport*: Identification document seized from one of the suspects.
Court Proceedings
The suspects were arraigned before the Achimota Circuit Court and remanded into custody for two weeks. They are expected to reappear in court on May 12, 2025.
GoldBod’s Warning
The Director of Investigations at National Security, Chief Superintendent Osman Alhassan, warned both Ghanaians and foreign nationals against violating the Ghana Gold Board Act and other laws governing the gold trading sector. He emphasized that the GoldBod would take ruthless action against illegal gold trading and smuggling.
Related Directive
The GoldBod has directed all foreigners in the gold trading sector to exit the market by April 30, 2025. Additionally, all persons dealing in gold have been directed to trade in Ghana cedis and at the Bank of Ghana Reference Rate. Breach of these directives shall constitute a punishable offense under the GoldBod Act, 2025 (ACT 1140) [1].
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