ED gets custody of Kerala gold smuggling suspects

In a major development in the Kerala gold smuggling case, three key accused - Sarith PS, Swapna Suresh and Sandeep Nair were sent to seven-day custody of the Enforcement Directorate. The investigators believe detailed interrogation is needed to extract information from them.

Kochi: Three key accused in the high profile Kerala gold smuggling case have been placed under custody of the Enforcement Directorate for further investigation.

Principal Sessions Court in Ernakulam sent Sarith PS, Swapna Suresh and Sandeep Nair to seven days ED custody for interrogation. Earlier, the accused were placed in judicial custody till August 21.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) sleuths had sought the Court to grant custody for 10 days. The ED informed the Court that there were many details and information to be elicited from the accused and elaborate interrogation was required. The accused had also made financial transactions with those abroad. Details on such deals need to be elicited, the ED officials had explained in the custody request submitted to the Court.

READ:Kerala gold smuggling: Swapna, Sandeep sent to judicial custody till Aug 21

According to the National Investigation Agency, which is probing the case, at least 10 suspects have been arrested so far.

The matter had come to light after 30 kg of gold worth Rs 14.82 crores, smuggled in a consignment camouflaged as diplomatic baggage, was busted by customs officials in Thiruvananthapuram last month.

The ED has charged the accused under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act Section 3 and are investigating the case. Illegal acquisition of money and violation of rules on foreign transactions also come under the ambit of the ED. The ED can even confiscate the properties of the accused in the case.

(With ANI inputs)READ: Kerala gold smuggling: Swapna Suresh, Sandeep Nair sent to five-day Customs custody