How Kenyan group at Mumbai airport tried to ditch 29kg gold hidden in shoes, but DRI tracked their every move

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested 26 Kenyan nationals for allegedly smuggling 29.4kg of gold worth Rs 37.7 crore from Nairobi. Officials termed it one of the largest such hauls in recent years, following a targeted operation at the airport. (AI image)​

Acting on specific intelligence and digital profiling, DRI officials tracked the group and waited at Terminal 2. Due to heavy passenger traffic, officers monitored the suspects near the arrival area of flight KQ 202 before planning interception. (AI image)​

Around 11am, as passengers approached the green channel, they noticed officials and moved away. Upon questioning, 25 identified themselves, while the 26th individual had already been detained for attempting to use a fake passport. (AI image)

Though all 25 denied carrying contraband, a search of two passengers led to recovery of gold bars concealed inside their shoes. The discovery confirmed suspicions of organised smuggling activity within the group. (AI image)​

Officials said some passengers began discarding objects wrapped in black tape near luggage belts. Multiple pouches containing melted gold bars were recovered from the area, but none of the passengers claimed ownership of the items. (AI image)​

Among the group, one individual had already been detained for attempting to use a fake passport. The development emerged during questioning, adding another dimension to the case being investigated by DRI officials. (AI image)​