Kerala Gold Scam: Customs Department writes to Centre, seeks security for probe officers

Amid big revelations in Kerala gold scam case, Customs Commissioner writes to Centre seeking CRPF protection for office as well as investigating officers involved in probe of case. This comes as team received indications during investigation that big names could come up in Kerala gold scam case as it continues to develop, which could le to security threat. Sources have also hinted that more high-profile names including ministers and bureaucrats and police officials could be involved in scam. Earlier, Centre h provided CRPF protection to customs officer after inputs were received that gold smuggling syndicate could attack customs office and officers, but was withdrawn in September as Centre asked m to seek protection from Kerala police. 

Swapna Suresh's vocate leaves Wakalat

In a surprising turn of events, prime accused of Kerala Gold Scam case Swapna Suresh's vocate announced that he is leaving wakalat while citing 'professional reasons'. On or hand, sources have hinted that this move could be because re have been rumours of Swapna Suresh and Sarith Kumar turning approvers in case. This comes as both Swapna and Sarith gave confessional statements to Magistrate on December 4. On same day, investigative authorities questioned Swapna Suresh, Sarith Kumar, IAS officer M Sivasankar and Unitac Builders MD Santhosh Eapen toger. Customs officers have also called former UAE gunman Jayghosh and driver Siddique for questioning. officials suspect that was a hawala channel operating to send large amounts to tune of Rs. 100 Crores and diplomats could be involved in hawala operation. 

Re | Gold Scam: ED Summons Kerala CM's d'l Private Secy Raveendran; Vijayan 'not Worried'

What is Kerala Gold Smuggling scam?

On July 5, Customs officials seized 30 kg of gold worth Rs.15 crore at Thiruvananthapuram Airport from a diplomatic cargo dressed to a person in UAE Consulate. Sarith Kumar, who worked at UAE Consulate was arrested in this regard. Reportedly, he told Customs about role of Swapna Suresh, an ex consulate employee who was appointed by Sivasankar as a manager in KSITIL. Following backlash over her appointment, she was sacked by state government. 

Re | Kerala Gold Smuggling: Swapna Suresh A Family Friend Of M Sivasankar, Counsel Tells HC

On July 16, Vijayan announced that suspension of his former Principal Secretary M Sivasankar pending departmental inquiry. It was reportedly found that he h violated All-India Services Conduct rules due to his connections with gold smuggling accused. Soon after a special court of PMLA cases granted Customs department that permission to arrest Sivasankar after which suspended IAS officer was formally arrested by department in connection with Kerala gold scam. 

Re | Kerala Gold Smuggling: Customs Officials Record Arrest Of CM's Ex-aide M Sivasankar

On or hand, yet anor close aide of Kerala Chief Minister, namely his ditional private secretaryC.M. Raveendran was summoned by Enforcement Directorate in connection with ongoing investigation. case is currently being probed by ED, National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Customs Department. NIA has me severe allegations against people named in FIR of Kerala Gold Scam that are  Sarith Kumar, Swapna Suresh, Fazil Fareed, Sandeep Nair, and ors. NIA has alleged that smuggled gold was not used for jewellery purposes but for funding terror activities.

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