Smuggling of yellow metal is directly proportional to its lure and pricing. Falling international gold prices, and eased gold-import rules coupled with strict vigilance, have led to a sharp fall in smuggling, according to top customs sources.
What is worrying the revenue intelligence officials is the increase in airlines' involvement. " It is really a worrisome. The latest flavour is insiders. Not just low-income or financially constrained employees, but well-educated, mid-level employees. This is our biggest nightmare," said a senior customs official.
According to DRI, customs officials at airports across India detained at least 753 people carrying undeclared gold, in 2014-15, out of which 30-40% were managed by insider and airlines employees.
As per the DRI data, Jet Airways topped the list of the airlines that were used to smuggle in gold last year. Air India and Emirates came at second and third position respectively.
17/07/15 Shrimi Choudhury
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What is worrying the revenue intelligence officials is the increase in airlines' involvement. " It is really a worrisome. The latest flavour is insiders. Not just low-income or financially constrained employees, but well-educated, mid-level employees. This is our biggest nightmare," said a senior customs official.
According to DRI, customs officials at airports across India detained at least 753 people carrying undeclared gold, in 2014-15, out of which 30-40% were managed by insider and airlines employees.
As per the DRI data, Jet Airways topped the list of the airlines that were used to smuggle in gold last year. Air India and Emirates came at second and third position respectively.
17/07/15 Shrimi Choudhury
