Pune Customs Department Seizes $400,100 Hidden in Students’ Luggage
The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of the Pune Customs Department made a significant discovery when they found $400,100 (approximately Rs 3.5 crores) concealed within the pages of books belonging to three students returning from Dubai to Pune.
During the interrogation, it was revealed that the trolley bags used by the students were owned by Khusbu Agarwal, a travel agent based in Pune. Agarwal had told the students that her bags contained important office documents. The students had booked their travel packages through her services, which led to their unwitting involvement in this operation.
According to AIU sources, “Just before they departed from Pune, she handed them two bags, claiming they contained urgent documents for her Dubai office. The students, unaware of the actual contents, agreed to carry them.”
Authorities became aware of the hawala operation following credible intelligence regarding substantial amounts of US currency being smuggled out of India via unsuspecting travelers. In response, the Customs Department notified their counterparts in Dubai and closely monitored the students.
Upon their return to Pune on a SpiceJet flight on February 17, AIU officers conducted a search of the students’ luggage, leading to the recovery of the hidden cash. Subsequently, Ms. Agarwal was detained, and her statement was recorded under the Customs Act.
Further investigations pointed officials to a forex firm located in Mumbai’s Fort area, where they seized additional foreign currency worth Rs 45 lakh. Mohammed Aamir, who had supplied the US dollars, was also arrested.
In a simultaneous effort, AIU and Customs officers conducted raids at ten locations across Pune, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai as part of the ongoing investigation into this smuggling operation. This incident highlights the continued vigilance of authorities in combating currency smuggling and related activities.