105 Turkmenistan nationals intercepted, nine women held for smuggling out nearly Rs 4 cr forex

In a major operation, a total of nine women from Turkmenistan were arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle out of the country foreign currencies worth around Rs 3.83 crore at Delhi airport, officials said on Monday. A total of 105 people were intercepted -- 59 women and 46 men -- when they were travelling to Turkmenistan on Wednesday, they said.

"Personal and baggage search of the 88 passengers and rummaging of flight resulted in the recovery of foreign currency USD 7,98,840 equivalent to Rs 5.64 crore," a statement issued by the customs department said. Further, 48 passengers were released along with their foreign currency, as they were carrying foreign currency under permissible limit, it said.

Furthermore, remaining foreign currency, i.e. USD 5,41,961, equivalent to Rs 3.83 crore was seized under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, the statement said. Out of the remaining 40 passengers, nine of them -- all women were placed under arrest, the officials said, quoting the statement.

They said the money that they were trying to take out of Delhi could be the proceed of gold smuggling. "There is a group of foreign nationals who smuggle into the country gold from outside and sell the yellow metal here using their 'contacts'. The money that they get out of it, they try to take it out of India, usually in cash," an officer said, explaining the case.

Further investigations are under progress, the officer said.