In a coordinated operation, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the Rajkot city Crime Branch intercepted approximately 180 kilograms of silver valued at nearly ₹5 crore at Rajkot Airport. The action was based on intelligence inputs indicating suspicious movement of the precious metal through air cargo channels.
Operation Details
Officials stated that the Gujarat ATS received specific intelligence that a Rajkot-based individual was expecting a large consignment of silver via air cargo. Recognizing the sensitivity of the information, ATS officials promptly alerted the Rajkot city Crime Branch and dispatched a team to the city for joint action.
During the operation, the suspected recipient was intercepted after the consignment arrived at Rajkot Airport. Authorities examined the parcels in the presence of the receiver and scrutinized the accompanying documentation.
Tax Evasion Suspicions
Preliminary verification revealed that the documents linked to the silver consignment were incomplete, raising strong suspicions of possible tax evasion, officials said. Given that the matter primarily involved alleged irregularities under the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the state GST department was called in for further investigation.
After completing initial legal procedures by the ATS and Crime Branch teams, the case was formally handed over to state GST authorities for deeper inquiry.
Investigation Ongoing
Officials did not disclose the identity of the receiver or provide details regarding the origin and intended destination of the consignment. Sources indicated that investigators are examining whether the silver was being transported using forged or manipulated invoices to evade tax liabilities.
The seizure highlights the effectiveness of inter-agency coordination in detecting and preventing potential financial crimes involving precious metals.
