Twenty-six Kenyan women were last week arrested in Mumbai, India, after being found in possession of gold worth over KSh225 million in a major anti-smuggling operation.
Massive Gold Seizure at Airport
According to Indian authorities, the gold—weighing approximately 29 kilograms—was intercepted at Mumbai Airport.
Officials say the suspects were part of a coordinated smuggling attempt, marking one of the largest gold seizures in recent times.
Intelligence-Led Operation
Authorities acted on specific intelligence and digital profiling, tracking the group upon arrival from Nairobi.
Due to heavy passenger traffic, officers monitored the suspects before planning to intercept them after they crossed the green channel.
However, the group reportedly became suspicious and moved away toward baggage claim areas, prompting closer scrutiny.
Gold Hidden in Shoes
While all 25 initially detained passengers denied carrying contraband, a search revealed gold bars concealed in the shoes of two individuals.
This discovery led to a broader search that uncovered additional hidden gold among the group.
A 26th suspect had earlier been detained by immigration officials for attempting to use a fake passport.
Court Action and Detention
With the help of a translator, the suspects were presented in court and remanded in judicial custody as investigations continue.
Kenya Linked to Smuggling Routes
The arrests have highlighted Kenya’s emerging role as a transit hub for illicit gold flows to markets such as India and United Arab Emirates.
Most of the smuggled gold is believed to originate from conflict-prone regions like Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan, entering Kenya through porous borders.
Rising Concerns Over Illegal Trade
Authorities have raised alarm over the growing network of illegal gold trade, which exploits weak border controls and regional instability.
Kenya has also experienced an increase in fake gold scams, where fraudsters use forged mining licences and customs documents to defraud buyers.
Previous Similar Incidents
In April 2024, nine Kenyan women were arrested at Mumbai Airport while attempting to smuggle gold worth KSh156.4 million.
The latest arrests underscore increased global scrutiny on cross-border mineral trade as governments intensify efforts to combat smuggling and protect legitimate markets.
