According to Times of India, National Investigation Agency (NIA) in its remand note claimed that the four accused in the case were part of a larger conspiracy that aimed at financing terrorism in India. The NIA was seeking extension of custody of second accused Swapna Suresh and fourth accused Sandeep Nair.
“Swapna Prabha Suresh (A-2), Sandeep Nair (A-4) and other accused had conspired together and separately at various places in Kerala to damage the monetary stability of India by destabilizing the economy by smuggling large quantity of gold from abroad and it is suspected that they had used these proceeds of smuggling for financing terrorism through various means. Their deliberate acts of using the diplomatic baggage of UAE as a cover to transact illegal business may have serious repercussions in the diplomatic relations with the government of UAE and it is prejudicial to the monetary and economic security of India as well,” the remand report said.
NIA also stated that further involvement of other people in this crime as well as the end users and beneficiaries need to be ascertained. “During the custodial interrogation the role played by other associates came into light including one Ramees KT, who is one of the kingpins in the case. Sandeep Nair stated that Ramees KT insisted on smuggling gold in large quantity and in maximum numbers during the lockdown period as the financial position of the country is weak etc. A-4 also stated that KT Ramees commands and always moved with a group of persons and have contacts abroad,” said the report.
On July 7, Thiruvananthapuram airport, the Custom officials had seized 30 kg of gold from the diplomatic baggage.The baggage was supposed to have food items . But later Custom officials checked the baggage after getting necessary approval from the ministry of external affairs.
Then the officials took Sarith ( former PRO at UAE consulate) into custody. Further, it was disclosed that Sarith is no longer an employee at the UAE consulate . But still after his dismissal, he continued introducing himself as PRO at UAE consulate.
