Customs tightens noose: UAE Consulate General and Attaché to be implicated in gold smuggling case

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The customs have tightened the noose in the gold smuggling case. They have decided to prosecute UAE Consulate General and Attaché who have fled to the Gulf. The customs have sent a show cause notice to the UAE Consulate General. Even if a reply is obtained or not, both will be arraigned in the case.

The two were issued notices through Ministry of External Affairs. The notice was issued along with the statements obtained against them. They have been directed to state the reason for not charging fine for tax evasion and not to confiscate the seized gold.

They have been directed to reply to the notice in 30 days. After receiving the reply, will move forward with the legal steps. The notices were issued to former Consulate General Jamal Hussain al-Sabi and Attache Rashid Khamis Ali.

The diplomatic baggage reached Thiruvananthapuram Airport on June 30. On July 5, it was found that there was gold worth Rs 14.5 crore in it. This bag is a diplomatic bag which came in the name of the Consulate General. Therefore, the Consulate General and attaché budged pressure on customs to prevent the bag from being opened. When the attempt failed, the two fled abroad.

In a probe conducted by the customs after registering a case, Swapna, Sarith, Sandeep and Rameez were found involved in it. It was clear from the interrogation of the other accused that the two had taken bribe for the gold coming through the diplomatic bag. Swapna, Sarith and Sandeep had given statement against the two.

The customs were awaiting the approval of the centre taking into account the diplomatic protection of the two and their diplomatic relations with the UAE Government. The gold smuggling case had rocked the Kerala politics and the office of the chief minister.