Kochi (Kerala): The Customs investigation team probing the gold smuggling through diplomatic baggage channel at the Thiruvananthapuram Airport, on Tuesday told the High Court that an international racket was involved in the case.
A group of people are spending money on the smuggling activities and the money reaches the Gulf countries through Hawala networks, the Customs told the High Court.
Meanwhile, the court extended the Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody of accused Sarith, Swapna Suresh, and Sandeep Nair by four more days. Their custody was to end today.
Besides the Customs and the National Investigation Agency probing the case, the ED had also joined in the investigation. The ED would be probing the charges against the accused that come under its ambit.
The ED officials informed that they are thoroughly examining the details on the statement that the accused persons have links with top officials and bureaucrats.
Read: Kerala gold smuggling: Swapna, Sandeep sent to judicial custody till Aug 21
After the accused moved for bail, the Customs opposed their plea and informed the court that further interrogation of the accused was required to elicit all details in the case.
Besides, the two accused who are still abroad, Faizal Fareed and Rabins, are also to be taken into custody and questioned. More information on the case would be available only then, the Customs told the Court.
Meanwhile, the court also deferred the verdict on the bail petitions of the other three accused in the case - Abdul Shameem, Jifsal, and Muhammed Anwar.
