THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The remand report of former PRO Sarith of UAE Consulate held in the case relating to the smuggling of gold worth 15 crore through the diplomatic channel of the consulate here has been exposed. A top official of the customs told Kerala Kaumudi that Sarith has confessed to the crime.

Meantime, Sarith’s co-accused and former executive secretary of UAE Consulate Swapna Suresh is on the run. The investigating team has found that she fled just a day before the checking of the baggage. The gold was seized on Sunday. Swapna, a contract employee of the IT department of the state government was terminated yesterday. She was the marketing liaison officer of Space Park coming under KSIT. The customs authorities revealed that the two are involved in the scam. Sarith, produced before the additional chief judicial magistrate in Ernakulam has been remanded. The connection of the UAE consulate has not been found. Whether any official has a role in the case is being found. Customs commissioner will meet the media today.

Offence for violating Section 135 of Customs Act has been charged on Sarith. As per customs act it is against importing and exporting from abroad without permission and valid documents. Bail would be obtained if the value of the goods is below one crore. The gold smuggled is worth 15 crore.