Kerala Man Allegedly Used Multiple Marriages to Smuggle Gold Through Women and Children

A 34-year-old Kerala man allegedly used his wives and children to smuggle gold from the Middle East into India. Sources said the accused concealed the precious metal in the clothing and on the bodies of women and children travelling from Gulf countries. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) uncovered the suspected operation after seizing around 500 grams of gold from an eight-month-old baby’s diaper at Calicut International Airport on September 1. DRI officials intercepted the child’s father, Farooq, after he arrived from Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE. Farooq, who lives in Kokkur, Ponnani, Malappuram, was travelling with three children, including the infant. Acting on specific intelligence, a Kozhikode DRI team searched the family and allegedly recovered gold worth around Rs 1 crore.

500 Grams of Gold Found in Baby’s Diaper at Calicut Airport

During the search, DRI officials allegedly found around 500 grams of gold hidden inside the baby’s diaper. Investigators also reportedly recovered additional gold that Farooq had concealed in his body. The unusual concealment method prompted the agency to launch a wider investigation into the family’s alleged role in gold smuggling. DRI officials are now examining Farooq’s previous international trips and his suspected links with people who may have arranged the movement of gold from the Gulf region. Investigators are also checking whether Farooq previously used women or children to carry gold into India. The involvement of an infant has added another serious aspect to the case, with officials focusing on the adults who allegedly planned and carried out the operation.

Also read :40 Kg of Expired Chillies Seized, Bengaluru Club Kitchen Shut After Food Safety Raid

The investigation also led DRI officials to one of Farooq’s wives. On August 29, the agency intercepted the 28-year-old woman at Cochin International Airport and allegedly seized 1.78 kg of gold worth around Rs 2 crore. Investigators said the woman concealed the gold inside a sanitary napkin while travelling from the Middle East. DRI officials questioned her after making the seizure and sought information about the source of the gold and the people who arranged its transportation. Her alleged connection with Farooq gave investigators a crucial lead. The agency then began tracking Farooq’s movements and examining his travel pattern to determine whether the two seizures formed part of the same suspected smuggling operation.

DRI Seizes Gold Worth Rs 2 Crore From Kerala Man’s Wife

During questioning, Farooq’s wife allegedly told DRI officials that her husband had concealed the gold on her body before she travelled. Her statement prompted investigators to monitor Farooq’s movements more closely. DRI officials subsequently intercepted him at Calicut International Airport after he returned from the UAE. Investigators are now trying to determine whether Farooq coordinated both alleged smuggling attempts and whether he used other family members as carriers. The agency is also examining travel records, communication details and financial transactions to identify people who may have assisted the suspected operation. Investigators will determine Farooq’s exact role and the involvement of other individuals based on the evidence collected during the ongoing probe.

The two seizures have raised suspicion of a larger gold-smuggling network operating between Gulf countries and Kerala. However, authorities have not yet established the complete structure of the alleged operation, and the accusations remain subject to investigation. DRI officials are working to trace the origin of the seized gold, identify the people who allegedly arranged its transportation and determine its intended destination in India. Investigators are also examining whether Farooq deliberately used women and children to avoid suspicion at airports. The case highlights the unconventional methods that gold-smuggling networks allegedly use to move precious metal across borders. Further investigation could reveal whether Farooq acted alone or worked with a wider organised network involved in bringing gold from the Middle East into Kerala.

Also read :“Proud Moment for the Nation”: PM Modi Hails ISRO’s GSLV-F17 Launch