Agencies clueless about seized cash

Bangalore: It's been over two-and-a-half months since the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized Rs 1.2 crore being smuggled through Bengaluru International Airport (BIA) to West Asia. But even today, three investigating agencies -- DRI, state intelligence and the Intelligence Bureau -- are struggling to establish the motive.
On April 30, DRI sleuths arrested Kaja Moinuddin and Mohammed Imbiyaz from Bhatkal when they were carrying the money in their cabin luggage. All that these agencies have established so far is that it was Mohammed Akrami who gave them the cash.
The DRI had issued an alert about Akrami from Bhatkal. He has an electronic goods shop in Burma Bazar in Majestic area. "He is a small-time businessman and doesn't have that kind of money. He must be working for someone who wanted to receive the money in West Asia," an investigating officer said.
The DRI had information about Akrami's movements and issued an alert. After arresting the two, DRI officials realized Akrami had travelled out of India just two days before the arrest. This left several unanswered questions about the origin and purpose of the money transfer.
Firstly, investigating officers thought the money may have been part of a drug cartel, but later suspected it was sent for procuring arms. "In any case, there are other ways and means of transporting money. Hawala is the channel used for such activities. Besides, why do they have to smuggle Indian currency, which is not preferred in the international market?" asked an investigating officer.
07/07/09 Vinay Madhav/Times of India

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Categories: Airports Jul 2009, Foreign Jul 2009