Diplomatic Gold Smuggling
India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted Afghan Consul General Zakia Wardak at Mumbai airport, seizing 25 kg of gold worth Rs 18.6 crore allegedly smuggled from Dubai.
Kabul 24: The incident on April 25 led to a case under the Customs Act, 1962, with the gold seized under Indian customs law.
Diplomatic Immunity and Investigation
Wardak, enjoying diplomatic immunity, was not arrested despite the value of the smuggled gold exceeding Rs 1 crore.
Responding to accusations, Wardak expressed surprise and stated she is seeking medical assistance, emphasizing the need to investigate further.
Uncovering the Smuggling Operation
DRI officials, acting on specific information, discovered the gold concealed in Wardak’s clothing, including a customized jacket, leggings, knee caps, and waist belt.
The gold bars, each weighing a kilogram, were collectively valued at Rs 18.6 crore, with no legitimate possession documents presented by Wardak.
Implications and Diplomatic Relations
This case marks a rare instance of a senior diplomat being intercepted in a smuggling case at an Indian airport.
Despite the change in Afghan regime, the diplomatic missions in Mumbai and Hyderabad continue to operate, providing assistance to Afghan nationals under the previous government’s appointees.
