Accra, Ghana//-The newly formed GoldBod Security Taskforce has arrested three suspected gold smugglers believed to be Indian nationals.
The suspects are — Goutam Katriya, 35, Miraj Sarvaych, 22, and Manash Damani, 42 — are Indian nationals engaged in gold trading in Kumasi and Accra for Unique MM, a company allegedly owned by one Musah Salifu.
They were arrested at their private residence near Atinga Junction in Kumasi, which had been converted into a gold trading centre.
The arrest followed a tip-off from a patriotic whistleblower who reported that the suspects were purchasing gold at “black market” rates for the purpose of smuggling.
The suspects were arraigned before the Achimota Circuit Court yesterday and remanded into custody for two (2) weeks.
At a press conference in Accra, the Director of Investigations at National Security, Chief Superintendent Osman Alhassan, told journalists that an amount of GH¢1.9 million, 4,500 rupees, 4.363 kilograms of gold, two counting machines, a CCTV recorder, and an Indian passport were found in the possession of the suspects.
Preliminary investigations by National Security revealed that none of the three suspects possesses a valid license to purchase or deal in gold in the country.
Although they have reportedly been trading in gold in Ghana for over a decade, the suspects have failed to provide any residence permits, work permits, or tax payment records related to their business operations.
It has also been revealed that Musah Salifu, a Ghanaian who is alleged to be the sole shareholder of Unique MM, is merely a front for Goutam Katriya, the actual beneficial owner and alter ego of the company.
Chief Superintendent Osman Alhassan cautioned both Ghanaians and foreign nationals against violating the provisions of the Ghana Gold Board Act and other laws regulating the gold trading sector.
“This arrest is only the beginning of GoldBod’s ruthless war against illegal gold trading and smuggling. We know the arrested suspects smuggle gold through unapproved border points into India.
This has serious negative consequences for the Ghanaian economy. We are still gathering intelligence on several illegal gold traders and smugglers. Very soon, we shall take the necessary action,” he said.
The suspects are to remain in NIB custody until May 12, 2025, when they are expected to reappear before the court.
In a related development, GoldBod has reiterated its directive for all foreigners in the gold trading sector to exit the market by April 30, 2025.
All persons dealing in gold have also been instructed to trade in Ghana cedis and at the Bank of Ghana Reference Rate.
A breach of these directives shall constitute a punishable offence under the GoldBod Act, 2025 (Act 1140), according to a press release issued by GoldBod on April 23, 2025.
