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Actor Ranya Rao Learned Gold Smuggling Tricks from YouTube | Report

March 13, 2025, 1:04 pm

Kannada actress Ranya Rao, arrested earlier this month at Bengaluru airport for gold smuggling, told Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials that it was her first time smuggling gold from Dubai to Bengaluru, India Today reported. She also shared that she learned how to conceal gold bars through YouTube videos.

Details of the Smuggling Attempt

Rao revealed that she had been receiving calls from anonymous numbers for two weeks prior to the incident.

“The gold was in two plastic-covered packets. I strapped the gold bars on my body inside the airport restroom. I concealed the gold in my jeans and shoes. I learned how to do this from YouTube videos,” she explained.

“This was my first attempt at smuggling gold from Dubai to Bengaluru. I never brought or bought gold from Dubai in the past,” she said, denying her previous claims to DRI officials.

Karnataka DGP K Ramachandra Rao’s stepdaughter Ranya Rao was arrested trying to smuggle 14.2 kg gold worth ₹12.56 crore at Kempegowda International Airport. The gold, weighing 14.2 kg and worth ₹12.56 crore, was in the form of gold biscuits concealed on her person.

What Happened at Dubai Airport?

In the course of the investigation, Rao revealed that she bought crepe bandages and scissors in Dubai airport prior to fastening the gold bars to her body within a bathroom.

I got a call from a foreign number on March 1. I had been getting calls from unknown foreign numbers for the last two weeks. I was told to report to Gate A at Terminal 3 of Dubai Airport. I was asked to pick up the gold at Dubai Airport and drop it in Bengaluru,” she was quoted as saying by India Today.

She, however, said she did not know the name of the caller who had reached out and directed her.

“I don’t know exactly who called me. The caller spoke with an African-American accent. The man was about 6 feet tall and had a fair complexion,” she stated.

Ranya Rao’s Arrest

Ranya Rao was detained by the DRI on March 3 at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kg of gold from Dubai. She was produced before a special court for economic offenses the next day, where she was sent to judicial custody till March 18.

While being interrogated, Rao stated that she had gone to Dubai on business. But investigators believe that she had gone there for gold smuggling. She was initially put under DRI custody until March 10 for investigation.

The Economic Offences Court in Bengaluru allowed her to meet her lawyer for 30 minutes a day during her three-day DRI custody.

Justice Vishwanath C Gowdar, who was the presiding judge, instructed the DRI to provide Rao with basic amenities like food and a bed. He also warned officials against subjecting her to any tough treatment during the probe.

What Happens if Ranya Rao is Found Guilty of Gold Smuggling? | TDG Explainer

March 9, 2025, 2:09 pm

In a high-profile case, Kannada actress Ranya Rao has been arrested for trying to smuggle 14.8 kg of gold, an offense that is punishable by severe legal penalties. She was detained at Bengaluru airport on Monday evening, after a sting operation by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).

Police investigators were following Rao ever since they realized that she made four visits to Dubai within only 15 days, creating doubt. Because of this, DRI decided to keep an eye on her closely, eventually causing her to get arrested on arrival in India.

Adding to the fame of the case is the fact that Rao is the stepdaughter of Director General of Police Ramachandra Rao, the Chairman and Managing Director of Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited. Her celebrity connections have heightened public interest and gossip about the outcome of her case.

Central Laws on Gold Smuggling in India

Gold smuggling is a severe crime in India because of its economic implications as well as security threats. There are various central laws that regulate and ban the same, of which the Customs Act, 1962, is a foremost law addressing clandestine trade.

Laws preventing the smuggling of gold in India are:

Custom Act (CA), 1962
Foreign Trade (Development ＆ Regulation) Act, 1992
Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act (COFEPSA), 1974
Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act (SFEMA), 1976
Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UAPA], 1967

What does the Custom Act of 1962 say?

Smuggling is a grave offense under the Customs Act, 1962, and has the following penalties:

Imprisonment: A smuggler may be imprisoned for three to seven years, depending on the gravity of the offense.
Fines: The accused person may be penalized three times the value of the smuggled gold along with imprisonment.
Confiscation of Goods: Any goods smuggled are liable to be seized by customs officials.

What Punishment Might Ranya Rao Receive If Found Guilty?

Legal analysts indicate that the charges against Rao under the Customs Act can attract both jail time and heavy fines. Section 10 of the Act allows for both fines and imprisonment. With such a huge amount of gold involved, her likelihood of escaping jail is low.

A high-ranking DRI officer pointed out that the magnitude of the offense is a determining factor in penalizing the offender, adding that past instances of large-scale smuggling have resulted in firm legal action and punishment. Accordingly, it is not possible that Rao will be permitted to walk away by just paying a fine.

She is currently in judicial custody for 14 days, with the investigations ongoing. The court will determine her punishment, but according to legal precedent, she might be both jailed and fined.

Gold Carrying Restrictions for International Passengers

Indian law on customs places limits on the amount of gold to be brought in by international passengers:

Male travelers: Permitted to carry up to 20 gm of gold with a value limit of Rs. 50,000.
Female travelers: Permitted to carry up to 40 gm of gold with a value limit of Rs. 1,00,000.
Children: May carry 20 or 40 gm of gold based on their gender, with the same respective value limits.
NRIs can import a maximum of 10,000 gm of gold every six months if they have remained outside the country for at least six months. Yet, only a percentage of this entitlement is free from duty, with the rest charged customs.

With the probe still on, the judicial fate of Ranya Rao is still in the air. Nevertheless, considering the seriousness of her purported crime, specialists opine that she is likely to face a severe punishment.

This Actress Earned ₹12 Lakh In Each Dubai Trip By Smuggling Gold

March 6, 2025, 8:42 am

A startling case of alleged gold smuggling has rocked the film industry in Karnataka. Ranya Rao, a popular Kannada actress, was arrested at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport on Wednesday after authorities intercepted her carrying gold bars worth approximately ₹12.56 crore, weighing nearly 15 kilograms.

Incident Details

Rao, reportedly the stepdaughter of senior Karnataka IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, is accused of smuggling gold from Dubai. According to sources, she traveled to Dubai around 30 times in the past year, allegedly bringing back kilograms of gold on each trip. Intelligence reports, as cited by India Today, claim that she was paid roughly ₹1 lakh per kilogram, earning around ₹12-13 lakh per trip. Investigations further revealed that Rao repeatedly used modified jackets and waist belts to hide the gold, a method she employed during her frequent travels.

Arrest and Recovery

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) had Rao under surveillance due to her unusually frequent trips to Dubai. On her return last Wednesday, just as she was about to clear airport security, DRI officials intercepted her. During the frisking, authorities recovered the concealed gold bars from her modified jacket. The total assets seized in the case have now been valued at around ₹17.29 crore, including additional items worth ₹4.73 crore.

Family Reaction

The arrest has sent shockwaves through Rao’s family. Her stepfather, Ramachandra Rao, a senior IPS officer, expressed his disbelief and devastation upon learning of the incident through media reports. “I was shocked and devastated when I heard about this. She is not living with us, and there must be family issues that led to this situation. Nevertheless, the law will take its course, and my career remains untarnished,” he said.

Authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the smuggling operation. With Rao’s extensive travel history and the sophisticated methods used to conceal the gold, investigators are looking into potential accomplices and other facets of the scheme. The case continues to evolve, with new details emerging as the investigation proceeds.

Ahmedabad Airport: DRI Seizes Gold Worth Rs 2.35 Crore

December 26, 2024, 6:09 am

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) foiled a gold smuggling attempt at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, seizing 3 kg of gold valued at approximately ₹2.35 crore, according to a government release on Wednesday.

The gold was ingeniously concealed within the piston cavities of two mini air compressors. Acting on specific intelligence, officials intercepted an Indian national arriving from Bangkok, who was subsequently arrested under the Customs Act of 1962, the release stated.

The DRI continues to deliver strong results in its crackdown on gold smuggling, with total seizures in 2024 exceeding 93 kg, worth approximately ₹66 crore, across Ahmedabad and Surat International Airports.

The agency remains vigilant and committed to uncovering innovative smuggling techniques and curbing illicit activities, the release added.

Air India Passenger Arrested at Delhi Airport After Refusing Refreshments

July 17, 2024, 2:04 pm

An Air India passenger flying from Jeddah to Delhi aboard flight AI 992 was arrested at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport for smuggling gold valued at ₹69 lakh. His arrest was prompted by his unusual behavior of repeatedly refusing all refreshments offered during the flight.

During the five-and-a-half-hour flight, the unnamed passenger consistently refused all refreshments, including water and food. His unusual behavior raised suspicion, prompting the flight attendant to alert the captain. The captain then informed security agencies of the passenger’s actions through Air Traffic Control.

After landing in Delhi, security personnel closely monitored the passenger. As he attempted to pass through the Green Customs Clearance Channel, he was stopped for questioning.

Upon questioning, the man admitted to concealing gold paste worth over ₹69 lakhs in his rectum. The contraband was hidden in the form of four oval capsules.

Joint Commissioner (Customs) Monika Yadav stated that approximately 1096.76 grams of gold were recovered from the Air India passenger, who admitted to smuggling the gold from Jeddah. He was arrested under relevant sections of the Customs Act, and an investigation has been launched into the incident.

Cabin crew have been ordered to monitor passengers who do not take food and drinks on long flights, they may be smuggling gold in their bodies. Earlier this year, a souvenir shop at Chennai airport was revealed as a front for a Sri Lankan gold smuggling syndicate. The shop’s owner, YouTuber Mohammed Sabir Ali, was arrested for his role in helping smuggle 267 kg of gold worth ₹167 crore over two months.

Chennai Airport Gold Smuggling Ring Busted: How Many Crores Seized?

June 30, 2024, 9:04 am

In a startling revelation, customs officials at Chennai Airport have uncovered a sophisticated gold smuggling operation orchestrated through an innocuous souvenir shop within the departure terminal. The syndicate, allegedly run by a YouTuber named Sabir Ali, utilized the shop as a front to smuggle a staggering 267 kilograms of gold, valued at ₹167 crore, over a span of just two months.

The operation came to light when authorities apprehended an employee of the shop with 1 kilogram of gold concealed in powder form inside his rectum. This discovery led to the unraveling of a well-coordinated modus operandi involving transit passengers bound for Sri Lanka. These passengers would reportedly hand over the smuggled gold to shop employees discreetly, often in airport lavatories, who would then transfer it to receivers outside the airport premises.

Sabir Ali, who rented the shop through a third-party agency contracted by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), employed seven individuals to manage the shop, all of whom were allegedly complicit in the smuggling operation. The employees, equipped with Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) identity cards, managed to evade regular security checks, facilitating the smooth passage of smuggled gold.

“The workers were trained to conceal gold in powder form in their rectums to avoid detection by scanners,” revealed customs officials investigating the case. They suspect the syndicate to have links across Chennai, Sri Lanka, and international locations, suggesting a well-funded network supporting their operations.

All nine suspects, including Sabir Ali, the shop employees, and transit passengers involved, have been remanded in judicial custody following their arrest. Authorities continue their investigation to identify additional accomplices operating behind the scenes.

Customs officials remain vigilant as they probe further into the syndicate’s financial backers and operational intricacies, underscoring the challenges posed by organized smuggling networks exploiting loopholes in airport security protocols.

DRI Seizes 9.67 Kg of Gold Being Smuggled From Africa to Mumbai

April 24, 2024, 3:59 pm

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 9.67 kg of gold, originally from Africa and smuggled through Mumbai International Airport, at a melting facility where it was being processed to remove foreign markings. During the operation on April 22, the DRI Mumbai Zonal Unit (MZU) also confiscated 16.66 kg of silver.

Additionally, they apprehended the operator of the melting facility and a key member of the syndicate responsible for recruiting carriers and overseeing the smuggling process. The recruiter, who collects gold from African carriers for processing and sale, was found to have received USD 190,000 as an advance payment from a buyer.

Despite the buyer fleeing before the search, the DRI recovered foreign-origin gold bars and silver, along with Rs 1.92 crores in cash, from the buyer’s office. Further investigations led to the interception of two African Nationals staying in nearby hotels, who admitted to smuggling gold and handing it over to the recruiter.

All four individuals involved were arrested under the Customs Act, 1962, and seized items included 18.48 kg of silver and Indian currency worth Rs 1.92 crore, totaling Rs 10.48 crore. This operation underscores the DRI’s dedication to combatting smuggling activities with professionalism.

DRI seizes gold worth Rs 6.2 crore at Mumbai airport, four arrested

June 5, 2023, 4:09 pm

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Mumbai seized more than 10 kg of gold valued at about Rs 6.2 crores in two separate cases, officials said on Sunday, adding that a total of four passengers have been arrested.

In the first case based on specific intelligence, two passengers who arrived from Sharjah to Mumbai on an Air India Express Flight were intercepted. “During the examination of the said passengers, eight gold bars of 24 karat having foreign markings weighing eight kilograms were found concealed inside their clothes around their waist. Acting swiftly on further intelligence, one more associate of the passengers was apprehended. The gold in bar form weighing eight kilograms recovered during examination valued at Rs 4.94 crores was seized. Three persons have been arrested in the first case,” read a DRI statement.

In the second case, one Indian national coming from Dubai was also intercepted at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (CSMI) Airport, Mumbai on 3 June.

“The examination of the baggage of the said passengers was conducted and during the course of the baggage search, 56 ladies’ clutches (purses) were recovered. All the clutches were found to be having ingenious concealment of 24-karat gold in the form of silver colour metal wires under the metallic strips of the ladies’ clutches,” read the statement.

The recovered gold wires were found to be having a net weight of 2005 grams and a provisional value of Rs 1.2 crore.

“The said passenger was arrested in this case. The second seizure apparently involves well-educated individuals who are directly involved in the planning and execution of the gold smuggling,” it added.

Kerala: 543 grams of gold recovered at Kochi airport from passenger

February 3, 2023, 3:37 pm

The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of the Customs department seized 543 grams of gold worth Rs 27.70 lakh from a passenger at Kochi airport on Friday morning. While examining the passenger, a rectangular-shaped packet suspected to contain gold in compound form and weighing 543 grams was found stitched inside his underwear. The packet has been seized by the officials. The accused has been identified as Ashok. Further investigations are going on in this case.

Kochi: gold worth Rs 38 lakh seized at airport

January 24, 2023, 4:15 pm

The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of the Customs department in Kerala, on Tuesday, seized gold from a passenger at the Kochi airport. According to the officials, the value of the seized gold is Rs. 38 Lakh in the bullion market. A total of 833.4 grams of gold was recovered. The gold in compound form, in transparent latex capsule, shaped packets was concealed in the rectum of the passenger.

Further investigation is underway.

Gold worth Rs. 2.05 Cr seized at Coimbatore airport.

January 9, 2023, 11:09 am

The Coimbatore Directorate of Revenue Intelligence on Monday intercepted six passengers, arresting one of them.

According to officials, the arrested accused who has been identified as Muthu Kumar brought gold in concealment from Sharjah. “The total quantity of the gold seized is 3.54 kgs valued at Rs 2.05 Crore,” informed Customs officials. Further investigation is underway, they said.

Earlier today the customs department seized gold worth Rs. 21.55 lakhs, including 211 grams of gold in powder form mixed with chocolate powder at Tiruchirappalli International Airport.

As per officials, a passenger arriving from Dubai on an Air India flight was intercepted by customs during checking. 211 grams of gold of 24-karat purity was found concealed ingeniously in three chocolate powder containers. Gold chains weighing 175 grams were also found in the check-in baggage of the passenger, they said.

Tamil Nadu: customs officers detain a man for carrying gold paste worth Rs 15 lakh in his underwear

October 2, 2022, 4:59 pm

At the Trichy airport, customs officers detained a smuggler who was in possession of gold paste worth Rs 15 lakh. Tailored underwear was used to conceal the contraband. The interception revealed the defendant.

According to a report in India Today, officials intercepted a passenger on an Indigo flight from Singapore to Trichy after receiving a tip. When the officials investigated his undergarments, they discovered a packet that contained a paste after first being unable to uncover any gold.

A passenger flying on an Indigo from Singapore to Trichy was apprehended by authorities after they received a tip, according to reports. The officials first couldn’t find any gold, but when they searched his undergarments, they discovered a packet containing a paste.

Two layers of stitched-together fabric were used to cover the packet. Ripping off the underwear was followed by chemical treatment of the paste. The extraction produced 301 g of 24 carat gold weighing Rs 15.32 lakh. Further inquiries, according to officials, are underway.