ED Raids in Patiala Uncover Gold Smuggling Syndicate

Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has conducted search operations at 7 locations in
Patiala, Punjab on 12.12.2023 with respect to persons involved in smuggling of foreign origin
gold into India.
ED initiated investigation on the basis of Criminal Complaint filed by the Directorate
of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Delhi Zonal Unit, New Delhi, under provisions of the Customs
Act, 1962 against Lucky Satija, Surinder Kumar, Manjodh Singh Cheema and others. DRI
had intercepted two trucks in November 2020 at different locations. Each truck was found
carrying 200 pieces of foreign origin smuggled gold bars concealed in its fuel tank.

The
combined gross weight of gold found was 66.40 kg with the then market value of Rs. 33.2
Crore. The trucks were operated by associates of Lucky Satija, Surinder Kumar and
Manjodh Singh Cheema who were transporting smuggled gold to Delhi and Punjab from
Guwahati.

The gold was brought to India through the Indo-Myanmar border.
ED investigation revealed that Lucky Satija, Surinder Kumar and Manjodh Singh
Cheema are part of a larger syndicate involved in smuggling of gold into India from IndoMyanmar border through Guwahati, Assam.
During the course of search proceedings, various incriminating documents and
digital devices were recovered and seized from the premises of Lucky Satija, Surinder
Kumar and Manjodh Singh Cheema. The evidences seized show that the said persons and
their associates/ family members are involved in smuggling and hawala activities.

Evidence relating to mod’s operand i adopted by the syndicate in smuggling of foreign origin gold into
India was also found and the details of assets used in money laundering and acquired by
money laundering were also identified. Further investigation is under progress.