Indian Citizen Detained in Zambia with ₹23.5 Crore in Cash and Gold
An Indian man’s attempt to fly to Dubai was thwarted when Zambian authorities found $2.32 million in cash and gold hidden in his luggage. Detained at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, the case has drawn attention to smuggling issues in Zambia, a country rich in minerals yet lacking economic stability. Investigations are ongoing, with officials warning against organized crime.
A 27-year-old Indian man was detained at Lusaka’s Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Zambia just before his flight to Dubai. Authorities discovered $2.32 million (approximately ₹19.32 crore) in $100 bills hidden in his suitcase, along with seven gold pieces valued at around $500,000 (₹4.15 crore). The Zambian Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) intercepted the items, which were concealed among travel items in his luggage.
Images from local media depict an unusual scene with stacks of cash and gold bars camouflaged beneath clothing. The DEC has intensified investigations into the case, warning that “transnational organised criminals” will not evade justice. Zambia, known for its rich mineral resources, faces challenges with a significant portion of its population living in poverty, rendering such smuggling cases both sensational and politically charged.
This incident is not isolated; in 2023, five Egyptians were intercepted in Lusaka with 127 kg of gold and $5.7 million in cash. Although those initial espionage charges were later dismissed, the case garnered considerable media attention and scrutiny. Currently, the Indian man faces detention without clarity on any further journey, remaining under the watch of officials and investigators in Lusaka.
The Indian man’s arrest in Zambia highlights the ongoing issue of transnational smuggling in the region, particularly in countries rich in natural resources yet struggling with poverty. The case exemplifies the challenges law enforcement faces, especially regarding organized crime across borders. With the DEC’s commitment to pursuing criminals involved in such activities, it underscores a continued effort to combat financial crime.
Original Source: newskarnataka.com
