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Smuggling in India Report 2024-25 40

Figure 1: Changes in import duty on gold

Smuggling Network Dynamics

Gold smuggling syndicates operate through a structured network: masterminds
located abroad or in India fund operations, organisers recruit carriers, carriers
transport concealed gold into India, and handlers receive gold for delivery to key
members persons of the network in India for further sale. Sometimes, gold smug-
gled in forms other than foreign-origin bars, such as wax or jewellery, is melted
into 24-carat bar form at illicit facilities, sold domestically, converted into jewel-
lery, and integrated into domestic markets. Proceeds are usually repatriated
abroad via hawala or illegal forex channels, sustaining a multi-layered, highly
networked smuggling.

Masterminds

Money
Launderers Recruiters

Gold Smuggling
Network
Melting
Facility Carriers
Operators

Insiders
Handlers
(Airport Staff)

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