In a significant operation against illegal gold trading, the GoldBod Security Taskforce has apprehended three Indian nationals suspected of involvement in gold smuggling. The suspects, identified as Goutam Katriya (35), Miraj Sarvaych (22), and Manash Damani (42), were arrested at a private residence in Atinga Junction, Kumasi, which had reportedly been converted into a clandestine gold trading hub.
The operation was initiated following a tip-off from a whistleblower who alerted authorities about the suspects’ alleged activities of purchasing gold at “black market” rates for smuggling purposes.
Arrest Details and Evidence Seized
During the raid, the task force uncovered a trove of evidence pointing to illegal gold trading operations. Items recovered included:
4.363 kilograms of gold
Cash amounting to GHS 1.9 million and 4,500 rupees
Two counting machines
A CCTV recorder
An Indian passport
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had no valid licenses permitting them to engage in gold trading in Ghana. Furthermore, they could not provide valid residence permits, work permits, or tax records for their decade-long business operations in the country.
The Face Behind the Operation
The company at the centre of this operation, Unique MM, is allegedly owned by a Ghanaian, Musah Salifu. However, further investigations have disclosed that Salifu may merely be a front for the real owner, Goutam Katriya, who is believed to be the principal orchestrator of the smuggling activities.
Legal Proceedings
The suspects were arraigned before the Achimota Circuit Court on Monday, April 28, 2025. They have been remanded into custody for two weeks and are set to reappear on May 12, 2025.
Authorities Issue Stern Warning
At a press conference in Accra, Chief Superintendent Osman Alhassan, Director of Investigations at National Security, emphasized the gravity of the case, stating:
“This arrest marks the beginning of GoldBod’s unrelenting war against illegal gold trading and smuggling. Intelligence indicates that the suspects have been smuggling gold through unapproved border points into India, causing significant economic harm to Ghana. We are intensifying our efforts to identify and apprehend others involved in similar activities.”
Nationwide Crackdown on Illegal Gold Trading
In a related development, GoldBod has issued a directive mandating all foreign nationals involved in gold trading to exit the market by April 30, 2025. Additionally, all gold transactions are required to be conducted in Ghana cedis and at the Bank of Ghana Reference Rate.
Failure to comply with these directives will result in severe penalties under the newly enacted GoldBod Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
In a statement issued on April 23, 2025, GoldBod reiterated its commitment to curbing illegal activities in the gold sector, asserting that any breach of the regulations will not be tolerated.
This bold move is part of a broader strategy to safeguard Ghana’s economy and ensure that the country’s gold trade operates transparently and within the confines of the law.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
