09 September,2026 10:57 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted an alleged international gold-smuggling network and seized gold worth Rs 1.10 crore that was concealed inside an imported treadmill at Mumbai's Air Cargo Complex, officials said.
A Chinese national and a person linked to an importing firm have been arrested in connection with the case, officials said.
According to the DRI, the investigation has uncovered an alleged smuggling operation involving Chinese nationals and their Indian associates, who are suspected of using legitimate commercial import channels to bring gold into India concealed inside machinery.
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officials intercepted a consignment of treadmills imported from Hong Kong at the Air Cargo Complex in Mumbai.
During a detailed examination of the consignment, officers recovered an arc-shaped 24-carat gold bar weighing 691.870 grams.
The gold was allegedly concealed inside the motor of one of the imported treadmills. The recovered gold was valued at approximately Rs 1.10 crore, according to officials.
The concealment method was designed to make the gold appear to be part of the imported machinery, investigators suspect.
Following the seizure, the DRI arrested two people in connection with the alleged smuggling operation.
One of those arrested is a Chinese national, while the second is an individual associated with an importing firm, officials said.
The agency is investigating their alleged roles in the import and concealment of the gold, as well as their possible links to other members of the suspected network.
The arrests form part of an investigation into what the DRI believes may be a wider operation involving the use of commercial shipments to evade customs checks.
The agency's preliminary investigation indicates that a group of Chinese nationals allegedly worked with Indian accomplices to smuggle gold into India.
According to the DRI, the suspected network developed a method of concealing gold inside machinery imported through legitimate commercial channels. Such a method can potentially allow contraband to pass through cargo systems while appearing to be part of ordinary commercial consignments.
The agency is examining whether similar shipments were imported previously and whether other individuals or businesses were involved.
Following the seizure, DRI teams conducted searches at multiple locations as part of the investigation.
The searches were carried out in Mumbai, Chennai, Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu, officials said.
Investigators are examining material recovered during the searches and are also looking into the financial and logistical links between the arrested individuals and other suspected members of the network.
The DRI is continuing its investigation to determine the full extent of the alleged smuggling operation and identify any additional people involved.
Officials are also examining the import documentation and other details associated with the treadmill consignment from Hong Kong.
(With inputs from PTI)
