The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Mumbai Zonal Unit has apprehended Aboobacker Siddique Moosa, also known as Siddik Payakki, who is believed to be the mastermind behind a gold smuggling operation that was dismantled last year. The arrest took place at Bengaluru Airport after immigration authorities detained him upon his arrival in India.
Background of the Case
The case originated on November 18, 2025, when DRI officials intercepted two passengers, Abdul Hameed Goliyadi and Rahamath Banu Abdul Hameed Goliyadi, at Mumbai airport. The duo had arrived from Saudi Arabia and passed through the customs green channel. Although they denied carrying any dutiable goods or contraband, the officials became suspicious due to their unusual movements and discomfort during questioning.
After obtaining written consent, the passengers were subjected to X-ray examinations, which allegedly revealed three egg-shaped capsules concealed in the rectum of each individual. DRI officials reported that these six capsules contained gold dust in wax form, weighing a total of 1,620 grams net, with an estimated value of Rs 2.02 crore.
Interrogation and Revelations
During interrogation, the two accused allegedly named Moosa as the mastermind who had promised them Rs 70,000 for smuggling the gold into India through body concealment. Based on this information, the DRI issued a Look Out Circular against Moosa after learning that he had fled to Bahrain to evade arrest.
Last week, Moosa was detained by immigration authorities at Bengaluru Airport upon his arrival in India and was subsequently arrested by DRI officials. The investigation is ongoing to uncover further details of the smuggling network.
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