Three Indian Nationals Arrested by GoldBod Security Taskforce for Suspected Gold Smuggling

Three Indian nationals have been arrested by the GoldBod Security Taskforce on suspicion of engaging in illegal gold smuggling operations in Ghana.

The suspects — Goutam Katriya (35), Miraj Sarvaych (22), and Manash Damani (42) — are reportedly involved in gold trading activities in Kumasi and Accra under the company Unique MM, which is allegedly owned by a Ghanaian named Musah Salifu.

The trio was apprehended at a private residence near Atinga Junction in Kumasi, which had been converted into an unauthorized gold trading hub. The operation followed a tip-off from a patriotic whistleblower who informed authorities that the suspects were purchasing gold at black-market rates for smuggling purposes.

They were arraigned before the Achimota Circuit Court on Monday, April 28, and were subsequently remanded into custody for two weeks.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra, Chief Superintendent Osman Alhassan, Director of Investigations at National Security, disclosed that the following items were seized during the arrest:

• GH¢1.9 million in cash
• 4,500 Indian rupees
• 4.363 kilograms of gold
• Two currency counting machines
• A CCTV recorder
• An Indian passport

Preliminary investigations have revealed that none of the suspects possess the required licenses to buy or trade gold in Ghana. Despite reportedly operating in the country for over a decade, they have failed to produce valid residence permits, work permits, or tax records for their business.

Investigators also uncovered that Musah Salifu, listed as the sole shareholder of Unique MM, is allegedly acting as a proxy for Goutam Katriya, who is believed to be the true owner and controlling figure behind the company.

Chief Superintendent Alhassan cautioned both Ghanaian citizens and foreign nationals against breaching the Ghana Gold Board Act and other relevant legal frameworks.

“This arrest is just the beginning of GoldBod’s relentless war against illegal gold trading and smuggling,” he warned. “The suspects are believed to smuggle gold out of Ghana through unapproved border routes into India—an act that poses serious threats to our national economy. We are actively gathering intelligence and will soon act on others involved.”

The suspects will remain in the custody of the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) until their next court appearance on May 12, 2025.

In a related development, the GoldBod has reiterated its directive for all foreign nationals involved in gold trading to exit the sector by April 30, 2025. Additionally, all gold transactions must now be conducted in Ghana cedis and at the Bank of Ghana Reference Rate.

Failure to comply will constitute a criminal offense under the GoldBod Act, 2025 (Act 1140), as outlined in an official press release issued by GoldBod on April 23, 2025.