THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Recent reports claim that the NIA team has made new developments in the Thiruvananthapuram gold smuggling case. The NIA officials might soon collect statements from Emirates employees. It is learnt that the NIA has discovered that some of the Emirates employees had facilitated gold smuggling.

According to sources, the Thiruvananthapuram Airport manager will be questioned first. Meanwhile, the investigation team suspects that Swapna Suresh and gang had rented several houses in the capital city and used them as centres for gold transaction. Swapna had rented four buildings including two houses in the last five months. The transactions were also conducted at several places including Sandeep's beauty parlour and workshop. The accused had even used UAE consulate's vehicle for transferring gold.

It was accused Sarith who prepared Consulate General's fake letters for smuggling gold via diplomatic baggage. The gold was then transferred from the airport in UAE Consulate vehicle which was arranged by Swapna. The gold was then taken to the houses rented by Swapna. Apart from the houses at Althara and PTP Nagar, Swapna had also rented flats at Ambalamukku and Statue.