Accra: Three Indian nationals have been remanded in custody by the Achimota Circuit Court in Accra for their alleged involvement in a gold smuggling operation. The individuals, identified as Goutam Katriya, 35, Miraj Sarvaych, 22, and Manash Damani, 42, are to remain in the custody of the National Intelligence Bureau until their next court appearance on May 12, 2025.
According to Ghana News Agency, the suspects were apprehended by the security taskforce of Goldbod in Kumasi following a tip-off from a whistleblower. The whistleblower reported that the suspects were acquiring gold at 'black market' rates with the intent of smuggling. The arrest took place at Atinga Junction in Ahodwo Kumasi, a location used by the suspects as their trading point.
Chief Superintendent Osman Alhassan, Director of Investigations at National Security, stated in a press release that the authorities confiscated GHc 1.9 million, 4,500 rupees, 4.363 kilograms of gold, two counting machines, a CCTV recorder, and an Indian passport from the suspects. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects lacked valid licenses to purchase or engage in gold transactions within Ghana. They also failed to present residence or work permits, or tax payment records related to their business activities, despite operating in the Ghanaian gold sector for over a decade.
Further investigations have uncovered that Musah Salifu, a Ghanaian alleged to be the sole shareholder of Unique MM, is merely a front man for Goutam Katriya, who is the true beneficial owner of the company. Chief Superintendent Osman Alhassan warned both Ghanaians and foreign nationals against violating the provisions of the Ghana Gold Board Act and other statutes regulating the country's gold trading sector.
The arrest is part of Goldbod's ongoing campaign against illegal gold trading and smuggling operations. The apprehended suspects are accused of smuggling gold through unauthorized border points into India, which poses threats to the Ghanaian economy. Goldbod is actively gathering intelligence on illegal gold traders and smugglers and plans to take further actions soon.
In connection with this, Goldbod has reiterated its directive requiring all foreigners in the gold trading sector to exit the market by April 30, 2025. Those involved in gold transactions must conduct their trade in Ghanaian cedis and comply with the Bank of Ghana's Reference Rate. Violations of these directives will be considered offenses under the GoldBod Act, 2025 (ACT 1140), as stated in a press release issued by GoldBod on April 23, 2025.